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Amanita muscaria: Difference between revisions
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Found in forests from July to October, this Amanita has a symbiotic relationship with various trees, and is most often found under pines, spruces, and birches. The problem with the identification of the Amanita (and this is a general mushroom rule) is that rain may alter its appearance considerably by washing away its patches or draining its vibrant red to a paler shade. With these more superficial characteristics erased, it can easily be mistaken for an innocuous or edible look-alike. Beware of look-alikes! | Found in forests from July to October, this Amanita has a symbiotic relationship with various trees, and is most often found under pines, spruces, and birches. The problem with the identification of the Amanita (and this is a general mushroom rule) is that rain may alter its appearance considerably by washing away its patches or draining its vibrant red to a paler shade. With these more superficial characteristics erased, it can easily be mistaken for an innocuous or edible look-alike. Beware of look-alikes! | ||
== | == Ingestion == | ||
There is a long history of edibility of the prepared mushroom in Japan<ref>"Amanita muscaria": The Gorgeous Mushroom Author(s): Christal Whelan Source: Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 53, No. 1 (1994), pp. 163-167 Published by: Nanzan University Stable URL: <nowiki>http://www.jstor.org/stable/1178564</nowiki> . Accessed: 18/06/2014 00:23</ref>. Traditional knowledge highlighted that in its raw state this mushroom is toxic and inebriating and therefore did not ingest it as such. They consumed it only after certain preparations: "Dried, soaked in brine for 12-13 weeks, rinsed in successive washings until the water became clear. They came out alabaster white and indeed are translucent like alabaster. Prepared thus for savouring during the long winter evenings, they are delicious, excellent as hors d'oeuvres" | There is a long history of edibility of the prepared mushroom in Japan<ref>"Amanita muscaria": The Gorgeous Mushroom Author(s): Christal Whelan Source: Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 53, No. 1 (1994), pp. 163-167 Published by: Nanzan University Stable URL: <nowiki>http://www.jstor.org/stable/1178564</nowiki> . Accessed: 18/06/2014 00:23</ref>. Traditional knowledge highlighted that in its raw state this mushroom is toxic and inebriating and therefore did not ingest it as such. They consumed it only after certain preparations: "Dried, soaked in brine for 12-13 weeks, rinsed in successive washings until the water became clear. They came out alabaster white and indeed are translucent like alabaster. Prepared thus for savouring during the long winter evenings, they are delicious, excellent as hors d'oeuvres" | ||
== Pharmacology == | === Pharmacology === | ||
The active ingredients of the Amanita muscaria are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscarine. The first two ingredients act on the nervous system as GABAA agonists within thirty minutes to two hours after ingestion, causing dizziness, lack of coordination, delirium, spasms, and muscular cramps. These symptoms are temporary and subside within four to twenty-four hours. | The active ingredients of the Amanita muscaria are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscarine. The first two ingredients act on the nervous system as GABAA agonists within thirty minutes to two hours after ingestion, causing dizziness, lack of coordination, delirium, spasms, and muscular cramps. These symptoms are temporary and subside within four to twenty-four hours. | ||
=== Toxicity === | ==== Toxicity ==== | ||
It may be harmful to combine Amanita muscaria constituents with other GABAergic depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Ibotenic acid is also known to be a neurotoxin, acting via the NMDA receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptor. It is wise to dry amanita muscarias in the oven or purchase pre-dried amanitas to ensure the ibotenic acid concentration is as low as possible. | It may be harmful to combine Amanita muscaria constituents with other GABAergic depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Ibotenic acid is also known to be a neurotoxin, acting via the NMDA receptor and metabotropic glutamate receptor. It is wise to dry amanita muscarias in the oven or purchase pre-dried amanitas to ensure the ibotenic acid concentration is as low as possible. | ||