Related Terms

• AA, Agaricaceae, Agaricales, agaric acid, agaric fungus, Agaric aux mouches (French), agaricinic acid, Agaricus arvensis, Agaric basidiomycete, Agrocybe aegerita, Amanitaceae, Amanita flavivolvata, Amanita formosa, Amanita matamoscas (Spanish), Amanita muscaria, Amanita pantherina, Amanita regalis, Amanita virosa, Amanitaceae, Amanite tue-mouche (French), basidiomycete agaric, bitter fungus, brown fly agaric, Clitocybula dusenii, Coprinus cinereus, Cortinarius orellanus Fr., Crepidotus fulvotomentosus, ectomycorrhizal fungi, falsa oronja (Spanish), fausse oronge (French), Fliegenpilz (German), fly agaric, Hebeloma cylindrosporum, Hypholomafasciculare Fries, ibotenic acid, laricic, magic mushrooms, muchomor czerwony (Polish), muscarine, muscazone, muscimol, ovulo malefico (Italian), pantherina poisoning, Roter fliegenpilz (German), selenium, Soma, toadstool, tufted agaric, uovolaccio (Italian), white agaric (Fomes officinalis Neum.).

Background

• Agaric, or Amanita muscaria, is a basidiomycete mushroom. Hallucinogenic effects occur upon consumption of the fungi. Fully grown, the cap is usually around 12cm in diameter (up to 30cm) with a distinctive blood-red color (crimson, fading to yellow with age), scattered with white to yellow, removable flecks (warts). It is often referred to as fly agaric due to European use as an insecticide, and its ability to stun or kill flies.

• Agaric has traditionally been used in rituals as a hallucinogen. Religious and ceremonial usage of agaric has been documented in Buddhist, Native American, Japanese, Siberian, ancient Greek, and proto-Hindi texts. Gathering and consuming mushrooms and other plants containing psychoactive substances have become increasingly popular among some people experimenting with drugs.

• Agaric is considered poisonous, though rarely fatal. Several studies document the toxicity and neurological effects of taking agaric by mouth. No formal trials regarding agaric toxicity or therapeutic benefit are currently available.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antipyretic (fever reducer), hallucinogenic, insecticide, sweating, tuberculosis (intestinal).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Safety, efficacy, and dosing have not been systematically studied. However, due to adverse effects, use in adults is not recommended.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• Safety, efficacy, and dosing have not been systematically studied. However, due to adverse effects, use in children is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to basidiomycetes.

Side Effects and Warnings

• In general, fly agaric is not recommended because of potential adverse effects. Taking agaric may cause visual and auditory hallucinations that appear after 60 minutes, peak within three hours, with certain effects lasting for up to ten hours. The effect per volume consumed is highly variable and individuals can react quite differently to the same dose.

• In a moderate dose, agaric acid may have no effect upon the central nervous system, except to paralyze the nerves of the sweat glands. In higher doses, central nervous system dysfunction has occurred. Agaric may cause alternating central nervous system depression and stimulation. Symptoms usually begin with drowsiness followed by a state of confusion, with ataxia (loss of coordination), dizziness, euphoria resembling alcohol intoxication and may proceed to increase activity, illusions, or even manic excitement. These periods of excitement may alternate with periods of somnolence, deep sleep or stupor.

• Given in large doses, fly agaric first increases, and then decreases blood pressure. Increase in respiratory rate, followed by a decrease in respiratory rate has also been noted. Skin may be warm and flushed. Fly agaric toxicity is characterized by nausea, heavy vomiting, and severe diarrhea. In near fatal doses, Amanita muscarina causes swollen features, rage and madness, characterized by bouts of mania, followed by periods of hallucination.

• Theoretically, airborne agaric may cause chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) or other respiratory conditions.

• Liver damage, liver failure, and death have occurred in people taking related mushroom species, namely Amanita phalloides (death cap) or Amanita virosa (deadly agaric). There are no available reports of liver damage from Amanita muscarina.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Agaric is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women because of potential adverse effects.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Based on reported adverse effects of agaric, significant interactions may occur. Patients taking any medications should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

• Agaric may cause changes in blood pressure. Thus, patients using blood pressure lowering medications should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Based on reported adverse effects of agaric, significant interactions may occur. Patients taking herbs and supplements should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

• Agaric is abundant in selenium and may have additive effects when taken with other herbs and supplements that contain selenium. Caution is advised.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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