Since ancient times, mushrooms have been a staple of many cuisines around the world. The earliest evidence of mushroom cultivation dates 1000 years back in China, where farmers used to cultivate shiitake mushroom. However, the mushroom farming is believed to have started as early as 600 A.D.
To date, over 14,000 mushroom species have been identified, with approximately 2,200 of them being classified as edible mushrooms. Out of which approximately 650 species have been extensively researched, farmed, and consumed for nutritional and medicinal benefits. Larger chunk of these mushroom species are poisonous and deadly. In this article, we are going to learn about some of the most deadliest mushrooms in the world.
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Top 10 Most Poisonous Mushrooms in The World
Mushrooms are often regarded as “poor man’s meat” due to its low-cost cost, great nutritional value, and their availability. People in different parts of the world go for mushroom hunting or mushroom foraging as a part of hiking sports or for the fulfillment of the basic dietary requirements. Many of these mushroom foragers mistake poisonous mushrooms with edible mushrooms. As lot of people pick a poisonous mushrooms which they later consume and get sick. Approximately 100 deaths are estimated to be related to the mushroom poisonings all around the world each year.
A lot of prominent historical figures, like Roman Emperor Claudius, Lord Buddha, Pope Clement VII, among others, are believed to have died due to mushroom poisoning. Let us learn about the most poisonous mushrooms in the world so that you can avoid the mistakes of consuming these deadliest species.
(10) Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric)
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is usually a red mushroom with white spots and large white gills. A. muscaria is a fungus that has many known varieties, or subspecies. These subspecies can vary slightly, with some featuring white or yellow crowns; however, they are mostly referred to as fly agarics, distinguished by their characteristic white spots. A. muscaria is a global species that evolved in the temperate and boreal parts of the Northern Hemisphere and was mistakenly introduced to several countries in the Southern Hemisphere as a symbiont with pine and birch plantations. It pairs with both deciduous and coniferous trees.
Even though A. muscaria poisoning is relatively rare due to current medical care, deaths from this fungus have been documented in historical journals, articles, and newspapers. Muscimol and ibotenic acid are the two main toxins present in Amanita muscaria. These toxins affect the central nervous system, causing loss of coordination, alternating agitation and sleep, nausea, and, in some cases, hallucinations. These effects of toxins generally start to show after an hour of ingestion. Even though it may not play a direct role in fatality, the hallucinating effect may lead to some crazy behavior.
(9) Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morel)
The False Morel is the most confusing and oftentimes misidentified species of the morel family. It has several species which carry scientific names such as Gyromitra esculenta, Verpa, Hellvella, and Disciotis. Here we are looking into the G. esculenta. Gyromitra esculenta is widespread in montane and northern coniferous woodlands like the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range in northwestern North America, and it can be found all over the continent, all the way to Mexico. It is also common in Central Europe, though it is rarer in the east and more common in montane regions compared to plains.
The False Morel is a type of spring mushroom that contains the toxin gyromitrin. It can be dangerous, even fatal, if consumed in excess quantities, either raw or cooked. Even the preparation of the false morel can be risky and lead to severe reactions, so avoid inhaling fumes or steam. Gyromitrin transforms into hydrazine upon ingestion, potentially causing severe stomach distress, liver, and kidney damage after a few hours. Some identified side effects include severe diarrhea, severe headaches, vomiting, nausea, extreme confusion and even death. It is strongly advised that you leave the false morel exactly where you spotted it. Even if you do not have a reaction, don’t offer the false morel to others, especially children and pregnant women.
(8) Lepiota Brunneoincarnata (Deadly Dapperling)
Lepiota brunneoincarnata, commonly referred to as the deadly dapperling, is a gilled mushroom widespread throughout Europe and temperate Asia, including China. It thrives in grassy areas such as fields, parks, and gardens, and is sometimes confused with edible mushroom varieties. This mushroom has a brown-scaled cap that can grow up to 4 cm in diameter, a pinkish-brown stem, and white gills. Sometimes, people mistake these poisonous mushrooms for other species that are similar, such as the edible grey knight mushroom.
It has been proven to contain lethal quantities of alpha-amanitin, which caused death from poisoning in Spain in 2002, a poisoning outbreak in Iran in 2018, and led to the deaths of four young members of the same family in Tunisia in 2010. Initial symptoms can be gastrointestinal, with nausea and vomiting roughly 10 hours after consumption, which results in liver damage a few days later. 100 g of Lepiota brunneoincarnata can result in serious liver damage.
Within 36 to 48 hours of consumption, amanitin can be detected in the urine. If the mushroom is not detected, the acute stomach symptoms could confuse medical personnel and delay the start of specific liver-protecting measures. Intravenous silibinin plays a role in limiting Amanitin absorption. Other specific treatments involve penicillin G and n-acetylcysteine, as well as basic supportive measures like rehydration. If these therapies fail, a liver transplant may be required.
(7) Pleurocybella porrigens (Angel’s Wings)
Pleurocybella porrigens, commonly known as an angel’s wings, is a distinctive, white, bracket-like fungus that grows in clusters on decaying conifer wood. The species is widespread in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Angel’s wings resemble a bracket and have round, funnel-shaped, white or ivory crowns that overlap in layers. As the cap margin ages, it becomes wavy and curls inward. The white gills eventually turn creamy as they age. The stem is absent from the cap.
Previously thought to be edible, angel’s wings have been linked to two recorded outbreaks of fatal encephalopathy until 2011. The majority of the victims in these two events, which occurred in Japan, had prior kidney problems. The first occurrence, which took place in 9 districts in Japan in September and October of 2004, led to the illness of 59 individuals, including the death of 17. The average age of those impacted was 70, and the majority of those who passed away had pre-existing liver issues. Death occurred 13 to 29 days following the first appearance of symptoms, and symptoms developed no sooner than three weeks after consuming angel’s wings.
Toxins in P. porrigens haven’t been identified yet, but analyses revealed that these mushrooms contain an unusual amino acid, fatty acid, and hydrogen cyanide5, each of which could lead to poisoning.
(6) Amanita pantherina (Panther Cap)
Amanita pantherina, popularly known as the panther cap or false blusher because of its resemblance to the true blusher, is a mushroom found in Eurasia which is poisonous and hallucinogenic. The panther cap is a rare fungus found in deciduous woods, particularly beech, and, rarely, in coniferous woodland and meadows throughout Europe and western Asia in late summer and fall. It has also been reported in South Africa, where it is assumed to have been unintentionally introduced with plants shipped from Europe and Asia.
The Panther Cap mushroom is both gorgeous and iconic. Its crown has a striking pattern of ochre brown dots with white spots, similar to fly agaric. This spotted toadstool has the same therapeutic, hallucinogenic, and poisonous properties as fly agaric and is one of the most deadly mushrooms when consumed in its full, raw form.
A. pantherina contains two psychoactive chemicals, ibotenic acid and muscimol, which can cause hallucinations, synesthesia, or, euphoria, dysphoria, and retrograde amnesia. The effects of muscimol and ibotenic acid most closely mimic those of a Z drug, like Ambien at large dosages, rather than a classical psychedelic, such as psilocybin. Hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, involuntary muscle movements, uncontrollable laughter or crying, repetitive motion syndrome (a condition in which users repeatedly perform the same motion without control), clumsiness, dizziness, convulsions and fainting, retrograde amnesia, and loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of panther cap poisoning.
(5) Galerina marginata (Deadly Skullcap)
Galerina marginata is a species of highly toxic mushroom that is commonly known as deadly skullcap. G. marginata can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as in Australia. This fungus primarily grows on rotting fir wood. The mushroom’s fruit bodies have brown to yellow-brown crowns that fade as they dry. The gills have a rusty spore print and are brownish.
The toxins present in Galerina marginata are called amatoxins. Amatoxins naturally accumulate in liver cells, causing metabolic disturbance and serious liver failure. Amatoxins also induce kidney failure because, while the kidneys try to filter out the toxin, it damages the convoluted tubules and recirculates in the blood, causing further damage. Severe abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea are among the first symptoms that may appear six to nine hours after consumption. Beyond these symptoms, toxins have a serious negative impact on the liver, which can lead to coma, kidney failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or even death, typically within seven days after ingestion.
The deadly Galerina marginata may be confused with a few edible mushroom species such as Armillaria mellea and Kuehneromyces mutabilis, which produce fruit bodies that are roughly similar in appearance and grow on wood, but can be distinguished from G. marginata by its stems bearing scales up to the level of the ring and growing in large clusters, which is not typical of G. marginata.
(4) Cortinarius rubellus (Deadly Webcap)
Cortinarius rubellus, commonly known as the deadly webcap, is a fungus found in high-latitude temperate to subalpine forests throughout Eurasia and North America. It is one of the most dangerous mushrooms found in woodlands across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. It is a fairly rare but deadly poisonous mushroom. It can be found from late summer to early winter in coniferous woods. This mushroom is tan to brown throughout, with a conical to convex cap 2.5 to 8 centimeters in diameter, adnate gills, and a stem 5.5 to 11 cm long.
Given the large number of orange/brown-capped species in the Cortinarius genus, it might be tricky to identify the Deadly Webcap. Orellanin, a potent mycotoxin found in this Webcap, can destroy the liver and kidneys. It can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear, by which time the damage has already been done. The risk of poisoning was initially identified in 1972 in Finland after four cases—two of which led to irreversible kidney failure—had been reported. Nine of the 22 individuals who were poisoned in Sweden between 1979 and 1993 underwent a kidney transplant after developing end-stage renal failure (ESRF).
Symptoms of orellanin poisoning start off with general flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and pain in the stomach. When the effects of toxin worsen, it can cause more serious consequences, like renal failure, which can be permanent without medical intervention like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
(3) Conocybe rugosa (Common Cap)
The mushroom species Conocybe rugosa, also referred to as common cap, is widespread and particularly prevalent in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It can be found in North America, Asia, and Europe. The conical cap of Conocybe rugosa grows to a flat surface, usually topped by an umbo. It is less than 3 cm across, has a smooth brown top, and the edge can be striate. The gills are rusty brown, closely packed and adnexed. The stalk is 2 mm thick and 1–6 cm long, smooth and brown, with a noticeable and movable ring. The spores are reddish brown, and the species might be difficult to recognize without a microscope.
This species is extremely poisonous. These mushrooms produce alpha-amanitin, a cyclic peptide that is very toxic to the liver and has caused numerous deaths due to mushroom poisoning. Because of their resemblance to Psilocybe species, they often get misidentified. After 6-24 hours after consumption, you can experience certain extremely uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, which often get incorrectly diagnosed as food poisoning, eventually leading to liver failure and, if you are unfortunate, death.
(2) Amanita bisporigera (Destroying Angel)
Amanita bisporigera, commonly known as the eastern destroying angel amanita, the eastern North American destroying angel, or simply the destroying angel, is a highly poisonous fungus belonging to the Amanitaceae family. It is common in eastern North America but rare in western North America. It is extensively dispersed throughout Canada, and its range extends south to Mexico. The species has also been discovered in Colombia, where it could have sprung from plants exported to use in pine plantations.
A. bisporigera is believed to have developed mycorrhizal ties with trees, just like the majority of other Amanita species. This is a beneficial relationship in which the hyphae of the fungus grow around the roots of trees, providing the fungus with protection, moisture, and nutritional byproducts while also increasing the tree’s access to minerals in the soil.
A. bisporigera contains the amatoxin which is capable of killing adult human. It is regarded as the most dangerous North American Amanita mushroom, with little fluctuation in toxin concentration among different fruit bodies. The first known poisonings resulting in mortality from the eating of A. bisporigera were recorded in 1957 near San Antonio, Mexico. Amanita poisoning can be identified by the following different phases:
- The incubation stage is an asymptomatic phase lasting 6 to 12 hours after consumption.
- In the gastrointestinal stage, stomach discomfort, aggressive vomiting, and diarrhea can last for up to 24 hours, leading to dehydration, severe electrolyte imbalances, and shock.
- Although the patient usually has no gastrointestinal symptoms during the cytotoxic stage, which occurs 24 to 48 hours after consumption, clinical and biochemical signs of liver damage are evident.
- Liver dysfunction symptoms include jaundice, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and bleeding.
- Later, prothrombin levels and blood ammonia levels rise, and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy and/or kidney failure emerge.
- The following risk factors for mortality have been identified: age under 10 years, a short latency period between ingestion and onset of symptoms, severe coagulopathy (blood clotting problem), severe hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice), and rising serum creatinine levels.
(1) Amanita phalloids (Death cap)
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is a poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom from the genus Amanita. Originating in Europe but spreading to other regions of the world during the late 20th century. A. phalloides, like other Amanitas, has a sack-like volva at the base and an annulus, or skirt-like ring, at the top of the stalk. The gills are white or cream, whereas the spores are white. The cap is either almost greenish yellow or white, and it is relatively clean, without the scattered pieces that many other Amanita species have. As they age, A. phalloides develops a terrible, almost sickly-sweet odor.
The fully open tops are about 10-15 centimeters in diameter. However, fully developed Deathcaps can be found with caps that are less than 10 centimeters across, and sometimes as little as 5 centimeters. Much depends on what the weather has been like. When wet, the cap is slightly sticky; when dried, it is lustrous.
Toxins called amatoxins are present in these fungi and are distinguished by their ability to withstand heat-induced alterations. Cooking does not lessen the poisons in death cap mushrooms. According to some reports, the poison in one half of a death cap mushroom is sufficient to kill an adult human. Toxins in these mushrooms harm the kidney and liver, which can result in hepatic and renal failure. The death cap causes the most mushroom poisoning worldwide and is extremely toxic.
It usually takes 10 to 16 hours (or even more) after eating for the first signs to appear.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomachaches are the initial symptoms. These might go on for a day or two, after which the symptoms usually subside and seem to get better.
- The “recovery” phase could go on for two or three days.
- The final stage, which lasts for three to five days, then begins with jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea that recurs.
- Coma and death occur within one to two weeks of consuming the fungus if proper medical help is not provided.
- Death is induced by liver failure, which can be followed by kidney failure.
Conclusion
I hope the readers found this post to be both helpful and educational. Therefore, this information may be useful and even life-saving when you decide to go mushroom hunting. Educate your friends and family about the world’s most deadly mushrooms.
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Video References
Other References
- https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/false-morel/
- https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2024/08/22/deadly-webcap-mushroom/
- https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/125390-Amanita-bisporigera
- https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/amanita-pantherina.php
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/flyagaric.shtml
- https://www.thegreatmorel.com/false-morels/
- https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/lepiota-brunneoincarnata.php
