Gyromitra

Gyrometrin toxin is produced by the false morel (Gyromitra esculenta), a short-stalked mushroom with a brain-like cap of dark brown color. Fruiting bodies of this mushroom appear mostly in spring and are valued as edible, even as delicacies. While many people consume the mushroom without any troubles, others become ill, some of them severely. It has been shown that the toxin content may vary with growth conditions, such as altitude and temperature. More probably, however, the variation is caused by differences in handling or cooking as the toxic components are volatile. The toxin has been detected in cooked, frozen, and dried specimens. 

Braun R, Greeff U, and Netter KJ (1979) Liver injury by the false morel poison gyromitrin. Toxicology 12 155-163. Giusti G and Camevale A (1974) A case of fatal poisoning by Gyromitra esculenta. Archives of Toxicology 33 49-54. 

Gyromitra are toxic look-alikes of the Morchella genus, best known as morels. Morels are among the most popular edible mushrooms. 

On the occurrence of N-methyl-N-formylhydrazones in fresh and processed false morel, Gyromitra esculenta, M. Pyysal and A. Niskanan, J. Agric. Food Chem., 1977, 25, 644. 

The False Morel mushroom Gyromitra esculenta) is easily confused... 

Glutaminergic — Amanita muscaria and yantherina Convulsive — Gyromitra species Hallucinogenic — Psilocybe species and Lepiota species ... 

Mushrooms from Psilocybe and Panaeolus species contain psilocybin and related derivatives of tryptamine that cause short-lasting hallucinations. Gyromitra species (false morels) produce G1 disorders and a delayed hepatotoxicity. The toxic substance, acetaldehyde methylformylhydra-zone, is converted in the body to reactive hydrazines. Although fatalities from liver and kidney failure have been reported, they are far less frequent than with amatoxin-containing mushrooms. 

A. Acute management of seizures caused by intoxication with isoniazid (see p 233), hydrazine, Gyromitra mushrooms (p 271), or possibly cycloserine. Pyridoxine may act synergistically with diazepam (p 415). 

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