[Neurological syndromes associated with the ingestion of plants and fungi with a toxic component (II). Hallucinogenic fungi and plants, mycotoxins and medicinal herbs].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

A wide range of fungi and medicinal herbs, rich in hallucinogenic substances and widely used for mystic and medicinal purposes, can give rise to neurotoxic symptoms.

DEVELOPMENT:

We review the toxic syndromes that can arise from the ingestion of hallucinogenic fungi, cacti and plants, together with descriptions of cases of acute poisoning resulting from the use of medicinal herbs and from foodstuffs that are contaminated by mycotoxins. A series of different psychedelic fungi belonging to the Psilocybe, Panaeolus and Stropharia genera contain hallucinogenic alkaloids such as psilocybin. Some of the most notable plants displaying hallucinogenic and sedative properties are Papaver somniferum, Erytroxylum sp. and Cannabis sativa. Infusions of ayahuasca are obtained from the lianas and roots of different plants with psychoactive properties, such as Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, which contain alkaloids derived from tryptamine and from the beta carboline harmala. Peyote, a cactus rich in mescaline, and Claviceps purpurea (a fungus rich in LSD) are strong hallucinogens. We also examine ergotism and mycotoxicosis from Arthrinium sp. Poisoning from mycotoxin containing moulds on sugar cane can give rise to encephalopathy and late dystonia. Some of the more noteworthy medicinal plants for which neurological toxicity has been reported are Hypericum perforatum, kava kava (Piper methysticum), Aconitum sp. and Callilepis laureola.

CONCLUSIONS:

Because of the increasingly more widespread consumption of herbs and fungi and their potentially neurotoxic effects, in clinical practice there is a need to be aware of the neurological syndromes deriving from their use.

• Authors: F J Carod Artal
• Journal: Revista de neurologia (Rev Neurol) 2003 May 16-31 Vol. 36 Issue 10 Pg. 951-60 ISSN: 0210-0010 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Sindromes neurológicos asociados con el consumo de plantas y hongos con componente tóxico (II). Hongos y plantas alucinógenos, micotoxinas y hierbas medicinales.
• PMID: 12766871 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Hallucinogens
• Mycotoxins

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Dystonia (chemically induced)
• Fungi (classification, metabolism)
• Hallucinogens (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Mycotoxins (adverse effects, metabolism)
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (chemically induced)
• Plants, Medicinal (adverse effects, classification)