A poisoning syndrome

Gyromitrin poisoning

Gyromitrin, in the false morel, which the body turns into monomethylhydrazine, a rocket fuel.

Gyromitrin poisoning: how soon does it show?

Six to twelve hours.

How does it run?

Vomiting and diarrhoea, then in bad cases delirium, convulsions, and liver damage; the vapour from cooking has poisoned cooks. Parboiling drives off most of it, which is why the fungus is still eaten in Finland.

What is done for it?

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in high doses for the convulsions; supportive care.

Historical and descriptive, not medical advice. In a poisoning, call a poison centre or emergency services.

Which substances in the database cause it?

False morel (Gyromitra esculenta), plate: Gyromitra esculenta (false morel)
FungusFalse morelGyromitra esculenta A brain-like, reddish-brown spring mushroom of conifer woods.Deadly

Sources

  • Michelot, D., and Toth, B. (1991). “Poisoning by Gyromitra esculenta: a review.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 11. Verified against its record · doi:10.1002/jat.2550110403