Chemistry and Toxicology of Major Bioactive Substances in Inocybe Mushrooms

Mushroom poisoning remains a global health concern, with numerous annual reports of poisonous mushroom ingestion. This review focuses on the genus Inocybe, which contains toxic substances such as muscarine, psilocybin, psilocin, aeruginascin, lectins, and baeocystin. The article summarizes the chemistry, toxic effects, and mechanisms of these major toxins, particularly muscarine, psilocybin, and psilocin, drawing on previously published toxicity data from different species and administration routes. It also discusses treatment options and potential medical applications of these bioactive compounds, aiming to improve understanding of Inocybe toxicology and support future clinical benefits.

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Abstract

Mushroom poisoning has always been a threat to human health. There are a large number of reports about ingestion of poisonous mushrooms every year around the world. It attracts the attention of researchers, especially in the aspects of toxin composition, toxic mechanism and toxin application in poisonous mushroom. Inocybe is a large genus of mushrooms and contains toxic substances including muscarine, psilocybin, psilocin, aeruginascin, lectins and baeocystin. In order to prevent and remedy mushroom poisoning, it is significant to clarify the toxic effects and mechanisms of these bioactive substances. In this review article, we summarize the chemistry, most known toxic effects and mechanisms of major toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms, especially muscarine, psilocybin and psilocin. Their available toxicity data (different species, different administration routes) published formerly are also summarized. In addition, the treatment and medical application of these toxic substances in Inocybe mushrooms are also discussed. We hope that this review will help understanding of the chemistry and toxicology of Inocybe mushrooms as well as the potential clinical application of its bioactive substances to benefit human beings.