MUSCARINE

Muscarine is a chemical compound found in some mushrooms, particularly a number of inocybe and clitocybe species. It was first discovered in amanita muscaria, though it exists naturally in other mushrooms as well. It is known to be toxic.

Muscarine poisoning is characterized by increased salivation, perspiration, and lacrimation within 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion of the mushroom. With large doses, these symptoms may be followed by abdominal pain, severe nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and labored breathing. Intoxication generally subsides within 2 hours. Deaths are rare, but may result from cardiac or respiratory failure in severe cases.