Muscarinecontaining

Muscarine-containing refers to substances that include muscarine, a naturally occurring alkaloid that acts as a non-selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. In nature, muscarine is found in several mushrooms, most notably many species of the genera Inocybe and Clitocybe. Other fungi may contain trace amounts, but muscarine-bearing species are primarily associated with these genera. Amanita species are not typically relied upon as muscarine sources, since their toxicity is attributed mainly to ibotenic acid and muscimol rather than muscarine.

Muscarine exerts its effects by activating muscarinic receptors (M1–M5), triggering parasympathetic-type responses. This can produce increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, urination, defecation, bronchoconstriction, miosis, bradycardia, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Because muscarine is a quaternary ammonium compound, it does not readily cross the blood–brain barrier, so central nervous system effects are usually limited.

Clinical features and management: Poisoning typically presents within 15–60 minutes after ingestion of muscarine-containing material with a cholinergic syndrome. Treatment focuses on supportive care and counteracting muscarinic effects with atropine. Decontamination with activated charcoal may be considered if the patient presents soon after ingestion. Pralidoxime is not indicated, as muscarine toxicity does not involve acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Severe cases require monitoring of airway, breathing, and circulation, with appropriate medical support.

Prevention emphasizes cautious identification of wild mushrooms and avoidance of foraging by untrained individuals, given the potential for muscarine-containing species to be confused with edible fungi.