Toxicological and pharmacological profile of Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam. – a new rising opportunity for biomedicine
Maria Voynova, Aleksandar Shkondrov, Magdalena Kondeva-burdina, Ilina Krasteva
Pharmacia November 26, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.67.e56112
Summary
Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, contains psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol, which are linked to poisoning syndromes. There is increasing interest in its potential neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as its role in treating cerebral ischemia. This review discusses its morphology, chemical properties, toxicity, pharmacology, and historical and modern medicinal uses.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The review highlights the pharmacological and toxicological interest in Amanita muscaria, particularly its potential neuroprotective role against diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. |
Abstract
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a basidiomycete. Its main psychoactive constituents are ibotenic acid and muscimol, both involved in ‘pantherina-muscaria’ poisoning syndrome. The rising pharmacological and toxicological interest based on lots of contradictive opinions concerning the use of Amanita muscaria extracts’ neuroprotective role against some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, its potent role in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia and other socially significant health conditions gave the basis for this review. Facts about Amanita muscaria’s morphology, chemical content, toxicological and pharmacological characteristics and usage from ancient times to present-day’s opportunities in modern medicine are presented.