Most poisonous mushrooms in the world
Death Cap
The death cap mushroom, perhaps the most lethal of all mushrooms, can be found across Europe and bears a striking resemblance to edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. What sets it apart is its heat-stable amatoxins, which remain unaffected by cooking temperatures and swiftly wreak havoc on cells throughout the body.
Within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion, individuals experience agonizing abdominal pain, accompanied by bouts of vomiting and bloody diarrhea. These symptoms lead to a rapid loss of bodily fluids and an insatiable thirst. Subsequently, severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system becomes evident, characterized by reduced urinary output and decreased blood sugar levels. This progression often culminates in coma and death, with a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent in affected cases.
Notable historical figures who succumbed to accidental death cap poisoning include Pope Clement VII in 1534 and possibly Roman Emperor Claudius in 54 CE.
Deadly Dapperling
The Deadly Dapperling, scientifically known as Lepiota brunneoincarnata, is a gilled mushroom that is notorious for harboring amatoxins, a group of deadly toxins that can cause severe liver and kidney damage when ingested. While it is widely distributed throughout Europe and parts of Asia, it is relatively inconspicuous in appearance and has, on occasion, been mistaken for edible mushroom varieties. However, poisonings stemming from this mushroom are not very common.
In cases of accidental consumption of the Deadly Dapperling, individuals can experience severe liver toxicity, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Without immediate medical intervention, these poisonings can have lethal consequences.
Autumn Skullcap
Widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and certain regions of Australia, Galerina marginata is a gilled mushroom that thrives on decaying wood.
It contains the same dangerous amatoxins found in the infamous death cap mushroom.
Consumption of this mushroom leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, hypothermia, and liver damage, and it can prove fatal if medical treatment is not promptly administered.
Although Galerina marginata doesn't closely resemble edible mushroom species, there have been unfortunate cases of collectors mistakenly identifying it as hallucinogenic Psilocybe mushrooms.
Destroying Angel / Fool´s Mushroom
Amanita verna, belonging to the Amanita genus, is a highly toxic mushroom. This visually striking white mushroom exhibits gills and a stem, typical of amanitas, and is characterized by the presence of a volva.
Amanita verna closely resembles Amanita phalloides, with the main distinction being the complete whiteness or light coloration of the verna. The cap of Amanita verna appears silky and nearly glossy, aging to a yellowish hue. Its stem is relatively stout, reaching heights of up to ten centimeters and bulging at the base.
When young, Amanita verna is generally odorless, but as it matures, it emits an unpleasant aroma.
This mushroom species is typically found in European woodlands and hardwood forests during the spring season.
Fly Algaric
The fly agaric is the iconic toadstool often featured in children's fairy tales, instantly recognizable by its vibrant red cap adorned with white spots. Consuming one of these mushrooms would not be a wise choice, unless you happen to be a child or a curious pet. While it's understandable why a child might be tempted, the reason dogs (and occasionally cats) are drawn to them remains somewhat unclear. Regrettably, fly agaric is even more toxic to these animals and almost always leads to fatality.
The primary toxic components found in Amanita muscaria are muscimol and ibotenic acid. These substances affect the central nervous system, resulting in symptoms such as coordination loss, alternating between restlessness and sleepiness, nausea, and occasionally hallucinations. The onset of these effects occurs approximately one hour after ingestion but is rarely fatal. One of the significant dangers lies in the erratic behavior displayed while under the influence of the mushroom, a phenomenon that did not go unnoticed by ancient cultures that incorporated them into their rituals.
Angel Wing
Angel wing mushrooms are widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, earning their name primarily from their appearance and, unfortunately, their potential to lead to a deadly outcome if consumed. In the past, these mushrooms were considered edible, and for many years, no poisoning incidents were reported. However, a turning point occurred in 2004 when nearly 60 people in Japan fell seriously ill after consuming them, and tragically, 17 of them passed away within six weeks. In another case in 2009, a 65-year-old man suffered fatal encephalopathy (a brain disease) after ingesting angel wings. Notably, many of the victims had pre-existing kidney or liver conditions.
The precise mechanism of toxicity in this fungus remains poorly understood, but researchers have identified a unique amino acid capable of damaging brain cells in laboratory animals. Additionally, there is a possibility that the fungus contains elevated levels of cyanide.
Deadly Webcap
The webcap mushroom carries a name as deadly as its nature. Despite its unassuming appearance, resembling many edible mushroom species, the webcap is exceptionally toxic, posing a potentially fatal threat to those who consume it. The danger may not manifest immediately; instead, it can strike weeks later when kidney function deteriorates.
The webcap's toxin, orellanine, ranks among the most potent poisons, alongside arsenic, and lacks a known antidote. It is believed that even a mere taste and subsequent expulsion of a small piece of this mushroom can lead to poisoning. Symptoms, resembling the flu, typically do not manifest until several days after ingestion and can persist for weeks.
False Morel
Amidst the whimsically named world of mushrooms and fungi, one species stands out, practically begging for a more descriptive moniker – the "human brain fungus." Yet, curiously, it was bestowed with the name "false morel," a title that doesn't quite fit its appearance. Despite resembling something as tempting as the human brain, this mushroom doesn't go unnoticed. In fact, the false morel enjoys popularity as a delicacy in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
But what about its potentially deadly nature? Well, yes and no. If consumed in its raw state, the false morel carries a high risk of causing a grim demise. Even when not prepared correctly, there remains a perilous chance of harm. However, when cooked properly, it is said to offer a delectable taste.
The culprit here is gyromitrin, a toxin that transforms into monomethylhydrazine (MMH) after ingestion. MMH primarily affects the liver and, to some extent, the nervous system and occasionally the kidneys. Initial symptoms manifest within hours, including diarrhea and vomiting, followed by sensations of dizziness, lethargy, and headaches. In the most severe cases, this may progress to a coma, leading to death within a week. The false morel can be found in conifer woodlands across Europe and North America.
Podostroma Cornu-damae
Podostroma cornu-damae presents a rather unconventional appearance in the realm of Japanese fungi, practically screaming, "Do not consume me!" Well, at least that's how it appears to me. Strangely enough, this warning doesn't deter the adventurous eaters in Japan. Perhaps they're accustomed to a certain level of culinary risk, given their occasional encounters with potentially deadly pufferfish. It turns out that this fungus often gets mistaken for young Ganoderma lucidum, and consumption is typically accidental.
The primary culprits behind the toxicity of these mushrooms are trichothecene mycotoxins, notorious for their profoundly unpleasant effects and the potential to induce fatal outcomes within a matter of days. These symptoms are far-reaching, affecting various organs, with a pronounced impact on the liver, kidneys, and the brain. Additionally, victims may experience a depletion of blood cells, skin peeling from the face, and even hair loss, leading to an appearance akin to radiation poisoning or leukemia.