Compound Monograph
Muscarine
Muscarine is a toxic alkaloid that directly activates muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, found in certain mushrooms.
Sources · 4
Where Does It Come From?
Muscarine is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium alkaloid, found in Fly agaric, Inocybe and Clitocybe mushrooms and 2 other sources. It is flagged as poisonous.
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Muscarine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that gives its name to the muscarinic class of acetylcholine receptors, which it directly activates. Although first isolated from fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), it is present there only in trace amounts; far higher and more dangerous concentrations occur in certain Inocybe and Clitocybe species. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily, so its effects are peripheral rather than psychoactive.
Toxicity & Safety
Muscarine poisoning produces a cholinergic syndrome — sweating, salivation, tearing, abdominal cramps, slowed heart rate and constricted pupils — that can be serious. It is the basis of poisonings from muscarine-rich mushrooms and is treated medically with atropine. It should be regarded as poisonous.
