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Profiling of Amatoxins and Phallotoxins in the Genus Lepiota by Liquid Chromatography Combined with UV Absorbance and Mass Spectrometry

Summary

This research analyzed toxic compounds in various species of Lepiota mushrooms using advanced laboratory techniques. The study found that some Lepiota species contain dangerous toxins called amatoxins at levels even higher than the notorious death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). This work helps improve our understanding of which mushroom species are dangerous and aids in mushroom poisoning diagnosis and treatment. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps identify which wild mushrooms are potentially lethal if consumed • Improves medical diagnosis and treatment of mushroom poisoning • Advances food safety by better understanding toxic mushroom species • Assists mushroom foragers and mycologists in species identification • Contributes to development of better toxin detection methods

Background

The amatoxins, such as α-amanitin, are bicyclic octapeptides produced by some mushroom species that account for most fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. While species of Amanita are the most notorious source, deaths have also been attributed to amatoxin-containing Lepiota species. However, there have been relatively few analyses of toxic peptide composition in Lepiota mushrooms using modern high-resolution methods, with previous studies limited to less sensitive techniques like the Meixner test, thin layer chromatography, and radioimmunoassay.

Objective

To analyze and profile the spectrum of peptide toxins present in six Italian species of Lepiota using liquid chromatography coupled to UV absorbance and mass spectrometry, providing higher sensitivity and resolution than previous analytical methods.

Results

α-Amanitin, β-amanitin, amanin, and amaninamide were detected in all samples of L. brunneoincarnata, while α-amanitin and γ-amanitin were detected in all samples of L. josserandii. No phallotoxins were detected in either species. L. clypeolaria, L. cristata, L. echinacea, and L. magnispora contained no detectable amatoxins or phallotoxins. L. josserandi had the highest level of α-amanitin (3.99-4.39 mg/g dry weight), more than three times higher than found in Amanita species.

Conclusion

Some Lepiota species produce α-amanitin and β-amanitin but not phallotoxins. L. josserandii contains significantly higher levels of α-amanitin compared to A. phalloides and other toxic species. Species lacking detectable toxins should still not be considered edible due to difficulty in identification and potential hybridization with toxic species.
  • Published in:Toxins,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3390/toxins6082336
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