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You are here: Home / Science / How Does Toadstool Poison Kill Humans and What Is the Most Poisonous Mushroom In the World?

How Does Toadstool Poison Kill Humans and What Is the Most Poisonous Mushroom In the World?

May 30, 2020 by Karen Hill

There are several types of poison associated with different kinds of poisonous mushrooms.

The chief mechanism is the destruction of the liver, the filtering system for poisons in the body.

The toadstool toxin inhibits an enzyme called RNA polymerase, which synthesizes the genetic material messenger RNA.

Without the messenger KNA, the liver cells stop synthesizing normal proteins and so cease to function. Jaundice sets in. The process lasts four to seven days.

With the filtering system gone, vomiting is frequent before the victim dies.

Frequently, by the time symptoms appear; major irreversible damage has been done. In a few cases, liver transplants have been attempted to save people who have eaten poisonous toadstools.

Wild mushrooms require expert identification.

Among fungi, many make you sick, some make you very sick and some are hallucinogenic. Only a few are fatal.

The most famous fatal toadstool is the death angel, or Amanita phalloides. In this country it is found chiefly on the coasts. It is not native to North America and was probably imported with nursery stock.

Native poisonous species are Amanita verna, Amanita bisporigera and Amanita virosa.

They are usually found in woodlands, associated with various trees.

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Filed Under: Science

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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