Which Is The Most Poisonous Mushroom In The World?

Most Poisonous Mushroom in the World: You must have tried mushrooms. They usually look very beautiful and tempting. But do you know that mushrooms can be poisonous too? The problem is that a lot of poisonous mushrooms look similar to edible mushrooms, and this is where it can easily cause harm or kill someone. Keep reading to know about the most poisonous mushroom in the world. 

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Which is the deadliest mushroom in the world? 

The deadliest mushroom in the world is the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). This mushroom is dangerous enough that eating just one can kill an adult. The most poisonous toxin of these mushrooms is amatoxin, especially the α-amanitin. It targets the liver and kidneys, and the person doesn't usually show symptoms for several hours, enough time for the mushrooms to do damage before treatment can begin. 

Top 5 Deadliest Mushrooms In The World 

The top 5 deadliest mushrooms in the world are as follows:

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides):

The deadliest mushroom in the world is the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). This mushroom is dangerous enough that eating just one can kill an adult. It targets the liver and kidneys and doesn't usually show symptoms for several hours, enough time for the mushrooms to do damage before treatment can begin. 

Destroying Angels (Amanita species):

Containing high levels of amatoxins, these mushrooms can cause fatal mycetism, with symptoms including violent cramping, diarrhoea, delirium, convulsions, and vomiting.

Podostroma Cornu-damae (Poison Fire Coral): 

This mushroom contains trichothecene mycotoxins, which can trigger swelling, irritation, and even organ failure. Symptoms include skin peeling, hair loss, and a drastic drop in white blood cell and platelet count.

Autumn Skullcap (Galerina marginata): 

Containing amatoxin, this mushroom can cause liver failure and death within seven days, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and hypothermia.

Deadly Dapperling ( Lepiota brunneoincarnata ): 

This mushroom is widely distributed in Europe and parts of Asia and also contains amatoxins. It's often found in grassy areas like lawns and gardens. Ingestion can cause severe liver damage and has been responsible for multiple fatalities.

What poisonous mushrooms exist in India?

India has quite a few mushrooms that are poisonous. The Death Cap is often found in hilly regions, while Chlorophyllum molybdites is a poisonous mushroom that can often be mistaken for edible mushrooms. There is Russula emetica, also known as "The Sickener", which induces vomiting. There is also red-and-white Amanita muscaria, which can induce confusion and hallucinations. Mushroom poisonings in India are often recorded in tribal and forest areas since mushroom gathering often occurs in these areas.

Which Mushrooms Should Not Be Eaten? 

Some mushrooms should never be eaten because they are poisonous. These include the Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Deadly Webcap, False Morel, and Podostroma cornu-damae. There are also mushrooms that are not usually deadly but can make people quite sick such as Chlorophyllum molybdites and Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria). These mushrooms are not made safe by cooking them or drying them.

Why Are Poisonous Mushrooms So Dangerous? 

Poisonous mushrooms are dangerous because they don’t taste or look bad. Some have a delay from when they are consumed to when their symptoms show and that delay could be hours or days. By the time the person feels sick, when the poison is detected in the blood, it has already impacted the liver or kidneys. Many of the poisons cannot be removed by cooking the mushroom. 

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How Can You Tell If a Mushroom Is Poisonous? 

It is really hard to tell if mushrooms when you look at them are poisonous. Some mushrooms that are edible also look like poisonous mushrooms. Myths like "animals can eat it so it is safe" or ‘the silver spoon will turn black’ are not true. You are only safe asking a mushroom expert or avoiding wild mushrooms completely. 

What to Do If Someone Eats a Poisonous Mushroom

Your friend eats a mushroom and then feels sick. Take him or her to the hospital immediately. Take a piece of the mushroom with you if you can. This will help the doctors identify the type of mushroom that was eaten. Do not delay quick treatment can save a life. In severe cases, they may need an emergency liver transplant.

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Did You Know?

1. The Death Cap is the most poisonous mushroom in the world.

Even a tiny piece can kill you! It looks innocent and grows next to trees but attacks the liver and kidneys.

2. Poisonous mushrooms can look like edible mushrooms.

Some toxic mushrooms look very much like safe mushrooms, causing confusion when trying to identify mushrooms in the wild – even for mushroom experts!

3. Cooking does not eliminate poisonous mushrooms.

While boiling, frying or drying mushrooms will destroy edible mushrooms, the poison remains intact.

4. Animals can eat mushrooms that are poisonous to humans.

Certain animals can consume poisonous mushrooms without suffering consequences, but they still may be extremely dangerous for people.

5. Old-failsafe mushroom tests do not exist.

Things like checking a mushroom with silver or observing animals consume it are myths and are not a guarantee of a mushroom's safety.

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