Anchel, The Structures of the Basidiomycete Metabolites Illudin S and Illudin M. Vanden Hoek, T.L., et al., Jack o’lantern mushroom poisoning.McMorris, T.C., et al., Structure-activity relationships of illudins: analogs with improved therapeutic index.Garrettson, Poisoning with the North American Jack O’Lantern mushroom, Omphalotus illudens. Kirchmair, M., et al., Phylogeny of the genus Omphalotus based on nuclear ribosomal DNA-sequences.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1950. Robbins, Antibiotic substances from Basidiomycetes+. Smith, Toxicological Studies on the Mushrooms Clitocybe Illudens and Inocybe Infida. McMorris, T.C., et al., Sesquiterpenes from the basidiomycete Omphalotus illudens.Please take medical advice immediately if the mushroom is ingested as it may cause sickness, diarrhoea and/or affect liver function. Jack-o’Lantern ( Omphalotus illudens) is poisonous and should not be consumed. Jacko Lantern Mushroom Toxicity, Safety & Side Effects

A new study is in place looking at specific biomarkers in late stage prostate cancer and the effectiveness of Irofulven administration. Trials have provided varied results, with some positive effects of irofulven seen in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The drug is a semi-synthetic compound based on illudin S a sesquiterpene known to be a toxic compound found in Omphalotus illudens. Irofulven is a patented drug that has been used in clinical trials looking at anti-tumor properties. Irofulven is semi-synthetic derivative of the illuden S isolated from Omphalotus illudens. The toxic effects from ingestion of Omphalotus illudens mean that it cannot be taken directly however, less toxic chemically modified variations to the compounds are of interest. They have shown selective toxicity for cancers including leukaemia, breast, lung and ovarian. Illudins S and Illudins M are incredibly cytotoxic products of Omphalotus illudens and as such have been examined for their use as anti-tumorigenic therapeutics. The specific component of the mushroom thought to be responsible for the anti-viral properties was illudin S1. Investigation and analysis of the mature fruiting bodies of Omphalotus illudens identified anti-viral properties in an assay using HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) in vitro. The first identified sesquiterpenes were illuden S and illuden M and they were identified as the components of Omphalotus illudens responsible for the anti-bacterial properties observed in vitro. A greater effect was seen in the presence of Mycobacterium smegma but very little growth inhibition was observed in the presence of Escherichia coli. Bacterial growth inhibition was observed, in dishes with the presence of components from Omphalotus illudens, following the application of cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium smegma.

Omphalotus illudens is the source of a number of sesquiterpenes, of which some were identified pre-1950s as having anti-bacterial properties, although the specific factors responsible were not known at the time. Jack-o’Lantern Medicinal Properties Anti-bacterial properties Habitat: Found in clusters Europe (Central and Northern) and sometimes North America late summer and fall. Smell: Reasonably strong not unpleasant.Įdibility: Poisonous and should not be ingested. Gills are said by some to be mildly bioluminescent and can be seen to glow green in the dark others argue that this is a myth. Gills: Bright orange features true gills running down the stem crowded. Jack-o’Lantern Mushroom Identification and DescriptionĬap: 3-20cm starts convex with a central “nipple” before flattening. It has been known for its toxic properties in Japan for some time with occasional fatalities, thought to be linked to its similar appearance to edible mushrooms. Jack-o’Lantern is a poisonous mushroom and when ingested can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. It is found in clumps usually on large stumps of wood or fallen branches and the decaying roots of deciduous trees. The Jack-o’Lantern mushroom is large and strikingly bright orange. Original studies also suggested that there was a synonymy between Omphalotus illudens and Omphalotus olearious however, DNA examination confirms they are two distinct species. Investigations of the properties from this mushroom were published back early in the 1900s when this fungus was more commonly known then as Clitocybe illudens. The scientific name for Jack-o’Lantern is Omphalotus illudens, this mushroom is a basidiomycete.

Jack lantern mushroom