Insights into therapeutic potential and practical applications of natural toxins from poisonous mushrooms

Toxic mushrooms, though a small fraction of the roughly 14,000 known species, contain bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. A systematic review examined key toxins such as amanitins, phallotoxins, ibotenic acid, muscimol, orellanine, and gyromitrin, along with their biosynthesis and health effects. Despite their toxicity, compounds including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, lectins, and psilocybin show immune-modulating, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. These substances may target cancer stem cells and enhance neurotransmitter activity, offering novel avenues for drug discovery that bridge toxicology and pharmacology.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction Mushrooms, belonging to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, comprise approximately 14,000 known species, among which a small fraction are toxic. While toxic mushrooms are primarily associated with adverse health effects, recent research highlights their potential as sources of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic applications. Methods A systematic review was conducted using four major electronic databases: Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The literature search, completed on July 1, 2024, utilized keywords including “Poisonous mushrooms,” “Mushroom toxins,” “Mycotoxins,” “Beta-glucans,” “Psilocybin,” and “Therapeutic applications.” Articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, focusing on studies investigating the biochemical, toxicological, and pharmacological properties of toxic mushroom compounds. Studies unrelated to mushrooms, non-peer-reviewed sources, or those with outdated or incomplete data were excluded. Results This review examines key toxic mushroom compounds such as amanitins, phallotoxins, ibotenic acid, muscimol, orellanine, and gyromitrin, emphasizing their biosynthesis, structural features, and health effects. Despite their toxicity, compounds like beta-glucans, polysaccharides, lectins, and psilocybin exhibit immune-modulating, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. These bioactive compounds have shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells and enhancing neurotransmitter activity, positioning them as potential therapeutic agents. Discussion Understanding the therapeutic potential of toxic mushroom-derived bioactive compounds bridges toxicology and pharmacology, offering novel avenues for drug discovery. Comparative analysis with existing treatments highlights their unique advantages in modern medicine.