DESTROYING ANGEL (AMANITA VIROSA)
Destroying angel (Amanita virosa, A. verna, and A. bisporigera) and death cap (Amanita phalloides) produce some of the most poisonous compounds known. As little as 30 grams, or half a mushroom cap, is fatal to a healthy, adult human. This makes the name “destroying angel,” just about the most powerful oxymoron in the English language.
Deadly amanitas are large, white, ironically beautiful fungi, which occur singly or in groups in any sort of forest and even on lawns. They grow throughout North America, but A. virosa is very common in Nova Scotia.
Deadly amanitas may be distinguished from all other fungi IF they possess the following characteristics:
1. white or cream-coloured gills with white spores and white spore prints
2. gills attached to the cap, but free of the stalk
3. at the base of the stalk, a persistent cup, the volva, which is a remnant of the universal veil that covers the fungi during their early, button stage
4. a ring or skirt on the stalk, also a remnant of the veil (not all amanitas have this characteristic)
POISON LOCATION
All parts of both fungi. In the event that deadly amanitas must be handled, we recommend the use of gloves.
POISON TYPE
Amanitan, a cyclic peptide, one of the most lethal organic compounds in the world. Tiny amounts have deadly results in humans, though squirrels and rabbits seem to be able to nibble these fungi without suffering amanitin poisoning.
TYPICAL POISONING SCENARIO
Since in the early, button stage both deadly amanitas look so much like other, edible, types of fungi, this sort of poisoning usually occurs when inexperienced mushroom gatherers accidentally collect them as food. Sadly, because the effects of cyclic peptides are delayed by their chemistry, the poisoning is often discovered too late for any effective treatment to be given the victim.
It is not true that mushrooms nibbled by wildlife are safe for human consumption. Since there are only a very few choice, edible fungi native to Nova Scotia, it is best to learn their recognition from an expert and then to avoid eating all others.
When collecting wild mushrooms, always retain an uncooked specimen for later study should you fall ill from eating your harvest. Your only chance in the event of poisoning is prompt, accurate identification of the fungus and its toxin, so that treatment and monitoring can be more effective.
SYMPTOMS
Amanitin poisoning is not a pleasant experience. The onset of symptoms does not begin for at least 10 hours; death may be delayed for as long as 10 days, which complicates diagnosis. When the toxin finally affects the victim, it causes severe abdominal upset, followed by liver, kidney, and circulatory system failure. The poison is usually fatal; there is no known antidote; and the progressive effect of the toxin causes the victim terrible suffering.
DESTROYING ANGEL POISON INFORMATION
Proteins and Amino Acids
Proteins and amino acids are complex chemicals necessary to all living cells; most are highly beneficial, not harmful. Chains of amino acids form proteins; if more than two are joined, they are called peptides, some of which are the most deadly poisons known.
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