When is it safe to consume newly harvested fly agaric?
The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) contains active compounds such as ibotenic acid and muscimol. These two compounds have different effects on the body. Ibotenic acid is a potent toxin and neurotoxic compound that causes several adverse effects, such as nausea, hallucinations, and disorientation. This is why consuming fresh or freshly dried fly agaric mushrooms, which have a high content of ibotenic acid, can be potentially harmful to health.
In contrast, muscimol, which forms from the transformation of ibotenic acid during drying (decarboxylation), has a more stable and milder effect on the body and is the subject of scientific research due to its potential for treating stress, anxiety, and psycho-emotional disorders. However, in the rush to consume freshly harvested mushrooms, people risk more harm than benefit, as fresh fly agaric can lead to intoxication due to the high concentration of toxic compounds.
Chemical transformation process
Ibotenic acid is unstable during drying and storage, especially under the influence of heat and oxygen, which promotes its decarboxylation into muscimol. When dried at temperatures of 40-45°C, intense oxidation of ibotenic acid occurs, and its transformation into muscimol becomes more pronounced. This process is important because muscimol, while still psychoactive, is safer for consumption, especially in the context of low doses used in therapeutic research to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality.
Scientific research and drying recommendations for fly agaric
According to various studies, the decarboxylation process of ibotenic acid into muscimol may take from several hours to several weeks, depending on storage conditions. For example, drying mushrooms in the sun or at low temperatures slows this process and may leave a significant amount of toxic ibotenic acid in the mushrooms. On the other hand, drying fly agaric over firewood at excessively high and constantly uneven temperatures causes muscimol degradation, leading to a loss of therapeutic properties. Studies show that prolonged storage of dried mushrooms also promotes a gradual reduction in ibotenic acid content, although these changes occur more slowly.
For safe conversion of ibotenic acid, it is recommended to dry mushrooms at a temperature of 40-45°C for 10-15 hours in a dehydrator and additionally store them for at least 1-2 months to achieve maximum conversion of ibotenic acid to muscimol. This is especially important for those planning to use the mushrooms in the form of extracts or dried products for therapeutic purposes.
Risks of consuming fresh or improperly dried mushrooms
Fresh or insufficiently dried fly agaric with high ibotenic acid content poses a danger due to potential toxic reactions and a psychoactive effect that is difficult to control. Consuming such mushrooms may cause intense hallucinations, intoxication, and serious gastrointestinal issues. Due to the unpredictable dose and duration of the effect of ibotenic acid, using inadequately prepared mushrooms poses a significant health risk.
In conclusion:
Active components of fly agaric: Fly agaric contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, which affect the body differently. Ibotenic acid is toxic, while muscimol, after transformation, has a more stable and milder effect.
Risks of improper preparation: Insufficiently dried mushrooms or drying at excessively high temperatures can lead to toxic effects or loss of muscimol's therapeutic properties, so it is important to follow processing and storage recommendations.
In Ukraine, the fly agaric harvesting season begins in late September - early October, so with proper storage and adherence to all correct technological processes, fly agaric from the new season can be safely consumed in mid-November or, preferably, early December.
In our store, you can always purchase fly agaric prepared in compliance with all technological standards.
For each client individually, we draw up instructions according to his indicators and requests
Monthly rate:
- Course for beginners Fly agaric whole/ground 50g+jewelry scales - 39$
- Fly agaric whole 50 g - 31$
- Fly agaric 60 capsules - 27$
- Fly agaric for 3 months 180 capsules - 57$
Read other articles on the topic of fly agaric:
- Amanita Muscaria – A Natural Antistress Remedy
- The chemistry of fly agaric and how it affects humans.
- What is microdosing?
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