Hapalopilus rutilans

Polypore mushroom (Hapalopilus rutilans) has also been reported. Three German patients developed reduced vision, somnolence, weakness with decreased motor tone and activity at least 24 hours after the mushroom meal. Clinical biochemistry measurements found electrolyte imbalances and evidence of liver and kidney damage. These symptoms are probably due to polyporic acid, which inhibits the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and is found in... 

Figttre 9. Polyporic acid, the toxic constituent of the mushroom, Hapalopilus rutilans. 

Cholinergic — CUtocybe and Amatoxins from Hapalopilus rutilans... 

C gH 204, Mr 292.29, bronze-colored plates, mp. 310-312°C. P. forms red solvates from pyridine and yellow solvates from dioxan it has the parent skeleton of the terphenylquinones. P. is found in some tree fungi of the order Aphyllophorales and in the frondous lichen Sticta coronata. The cinnamon-colored fruit bodies of Hapalopilus rutilans consist of up to 43.5% dry weight of polyporic acid. P. is formed biosynthet-ically by condensation of two molecules of phenyl-pyruvic acid and exhibits weak antileukemic activity. The dimethylether is called betulinan A . 

The application of specific chemical reagents such as alkalis and their effect on fungal tissue was reported as early as 1872 by Muller (500). He observed that when aqueous potassium hydroxide solution is applied to the fruit body of Hapalopilus rutilans ( = Polyporus rutilans) an intense purple colour is produced. This and similar reactions, which are now known to be due to the presence of hydroxylated quinones... 

Hapalopilus rutilans Brown - purple Ionisation of Polyporic acid (11)... 

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