CHEMICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AMANITA MUSCARIA MUSHROOM POISONS AND PROSPECTS FOR MEDICAL USE: A REVIEW OF CURRENT DATA

Summary

Amanita muscaria contains toxic compounds like ibotenic acid and muscimol, but also shows potential pharmacological properties. A systematic review analyzed its chemical composition, toxicodynamics, and therapeutic applications, highlighting effects such as cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. There are risks associated with its use, and while the components show promise in fields like neurology and psychiatry, clinical applications need standardization and toxicological oversight.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Amanita muscaria is one of the most famous toxic mushrooms, containing a complex of isoxazole alkaloids, in particular ibotenic acid, muscimol, muskazone, as well as other biologically active compounds. Over the past decades, interest in the red fly agaric has increased dramatically due to the discovery of new pharmacological properties of its components. The aim of the study. To summarize current knowledge about the chemical composition, toxicological effects and possible pharmacological applications of Amanita muscaria components based on the analysis and systematization of international publications. Material and methods. A systematic review was conducted using four major electronic databases: Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The methodology includes comparison of experimental data, analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters, evaluation of clinical observations and a critical review of potential areas of therapeutic application of Amanita muscaria bioactive compounds. Scientific research. The study was conducted within the framework of the research work of the Department of Bioorganic and Biological Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry of the BSMU "Morphofunctional reorganizations of the structures of the nervous and endocrine systems in different periods of postnatal ontogenesis and biochemical mechanisms of metabolism of signaling molecules, the state of oxidant and antioxidant systems under conditions of experimental pathologies and the influence of glutathione and melatonin", state registration number 0124U002513 (2024-2028). Bioethics. The research materials were approved by the Bioethics Commission of BSMU (protocol №6, dated 19.03.2026). Results. The article provides a review of current data on the chemical composition of Amanita muscaria, toxicodynamics of its components and potential directions of pharmacological application of muscimol, ibotenic acid and related metabolites. The results of experimental studies are analyzed, in particular, the cytotoxicity of extracts, the effect on neuronal networks, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties. Special attention is paid to the risks of use, pharmacokinetic characteristics and prospects for the creation of standardized pharmaceutical preparations. A comparative analysis of current data on the possibilities of using Amanita muscaria components in neurology, psychiatry, gerontology and oncopharmacology emphasizes their unique advantages in modern medicine. Conclusions. Amanita muscaria components combine toxicity and potential pharmacological value. Muscimol and other isoxazole alkaloids are considered as the basis of neuropharmacological agents. Clinical application requires standardization, safer analogues and toxicological control.

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