Effects and Safety of Amanita Muscaria Gummies
What is Amanita Muscaria?
Amanita muscaria is a poisonous mushroom with a red cap and white spots, commonly found in continental Europe and the UK. It is also known as the fly agaric since it has traditionally been used to kill flies [1]. The active ingredients in this mushroom include muscimol, muscarine, muscazone, and ibotenic acid. These compounds are known to have hallucinogenic properties and have been used by the shamans of Eastern Siberia as an inebriant and a hallucinogen [1].
Indeed, muscarine is the substance that most potently activates the muscarinic receptor—an excitatory receptor in the brain capable of increasing the activity of neurons. Muscimol and ibotenic acid, on the other hand, activate GABA receptors, the primary inhibitory receptor in the human brain. In addition to these psychoactive compounds, Amanita muscaria also contains the anticancer compound ergosterol (ERG). This suggests that Amanita muscaria is a psychoactive mushroom with a complex pharmacology and must only be taken cautiously [2].
Somewhat surprisingly, an in vitro study - meaning a study done in a glass dish - reported no ill effect of A. muscaria on lung cells. With further research, there may be potential benefits to this presumably poisonous and even deadly mushroom [2].
Mushroom Gummies
This blog discusses the effects and risks of Amanita muscaria mushroom gummies, which have led to several reported incidents in the American CDC [3]. Therefore, it is important to understand why people use mushroom gummies.
Gummies of various substances have gained on popularity in recent years. They offer a palatable way of consuming supplements or nootropics and masking the way that the supplement tastes. They can be fortified with adjunct ingredients that enhance the function of the supplement, such as Vitamin C and Iron gummies.
Psychedelic mushroom gummies represent an illicit yet widespread use of gummies. Psychedelic mushroom gummies, specifically psilocybin mushroom gummies, have been used to induce a psilocybin-high state of hallucinations, so-called 'trip'. However, psilocybin mushrooms and, thereby, psychedelic mushroom gummies are banned under Schedule 1.
Effects of Amanita Muscaria Gummies
One of the most common effects of Amanita muscaria is its impact on the central nervous system. It can cause both excitation and depression because of its effects on muscarinic and GABA receptors. This can lead to a mixture of symptoms, including hallucinations, drowsiness, and agitation [4, 5, 6, 7]. There have even been reports of fatalities ten hours after consuming Amanita muscaria, although these were raw mushrooms and not processed gummies [6].
An investigation was carried out on social media threads to measure the reasons why people took mushrooms. Women reported taking A. muscaria for pain, whereas men reported using the mushroom for stress and depression relief [8]. Common effects of the drug included headaches, nausea and vomiting, highlighting the problems with the use of the poisonous mushroom. No individuals reported tasking Amanita muscaria gummies, highlighting the novelty of this technique of taking substances [8].
On the other hand, some studies have also suggested that it may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially be used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease or cancer [2, 7].
Risks of Amanita Muscaria Gummies
Consuming this poisonous mushroom, especially in the form of gummies, is not safe and can lead to several adverse effects.
One of the primary risks associated with Amanita muscaria consumption is the potential for severe toxicity. In some cases, this toxicity can even be fatal. For instance, a 44-year-old man experienced cardiopulmonary arrest approximately 10 hours after ingesting 4 to 5 dried Amanita muscaria mushroom caps [6].
Another risk is the onset of transient central nervous system excitation and depression. This is due to the mushroom's components, ibotenic acid, and muscimol, which can affect the brain's muscarinic and GABA-ergic receptors and lead to seizures or hallucinations [6]. These include agitation, hallucinations, and, in some cases, convulsions [4, 5]. Some individuals may also experience headaches after consuming Amanita muscaria [8].
Consumption of Amanita muscaria can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, which are among the mushroom's best-known effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea [9].
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The critical risk of taking Amanita muscaria mushrooms is that you cannot be confident in the dose and type of mushroom contained in the gummies unless you have made them yourself. The CDC has reported numerous incidents where A. muscaria gummies have been marketed as nootropics commonly available at gas stations [3].
It's important to note that the severity and type of symptoms can vary based on the individual and the amount of active substance consumed. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect you've consumed this mushroom, as they will be able to provide an antidote to make you feel better.