# Deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

**Cortinarius rubellus**

Kind: Fungus  
Poisoning: Orellanine poisoning (https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/poisons/orellanine)  
Deadly: yes

> **Deadly.** Symptoms appear days or weeks after eating.

## What was it used for?

None.

## What does modern science say?

Its orellanine destroys the kidneys. The first signs may take from two days to two weeks, by which time the damage is done; many survivors need dialysis or a transplant.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **orellanine**: a bipyridine

**Mechanism.** Orellanine injures the kidneys, causing a tubulo-interstitial nephritis.

**Standing.** None.

## What lore surrounds it?

Mistaken for chanterelles by foragers;

## Sources

- Danel, V. C., Saviuc, P. F., & Garon, D. (2001). Main features of *Cortinarius* spp. poisoning: a literature review. *Toxicon* 39: 1053–1060.
- Wikipedia, “Orellanine,” en.wikipedia.org (read 2 October 2026).
- Danel, V. C., et al. (2001). *Toxicon* 39.

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*Deadly webcap.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-03. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/deadly-webcap

Historical description, not medical advice.