POISONOUS AND HALLUCINOGENIC MUSHROOMS
by Michael W. Beug Email: beugm@evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Slide 43.
Entoloma lividoalbum forma lividoalbum is one
of many hard to distinguish Entoloma species capable of causing
severe gastrointestinal distress. Entoloma lividoalbum and Entoloma
lividum/sinuatum all look similar to the edible and choice Lyophyllum
decastes, a white spored mushroom that occurs in large clumps. They
also closely resemble some edible Tricholoma species. An Entoloma
has pink spores and grows singly or in small tight groupings. There are
many very poisonous Entolomas and just a small piece of one mushroom can
cause severe and prolonged discomfort. The usual manifestations are vomiting,
diarrhea and abdominal pain lasting for up to 2 days with full recovery
sometimes taking a couple of weeks. Symptoms delayed as long as four hours
have been reported. Loss of consciousness is an unusual symptom as is mild
liver toxicity. Some victims have episodes of psychological disturbance
characterized by an initial phase of euphoria and excitement followed by
depression that can last for months. Entoloma rhodopolium has been
found to contain choline, muscarine, and muscaridine toxins.
Previous
Slide