Mushroom toxins and cancer (review)

Significant advances have been made in recent years in cancer research concerning the chemistry and biological action of the various mushroom hydrazines and related chemicals as well as two mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus and Gyromitra esculenta. In addition, there is limited information involving the teratogenic effects of some of these mycotoxins. It is apparent that a series of these chemicals, as well as the feeding of two raw mushrooms, induce many cancers in experimental animals. Even though recent findings in the chemistry field indicate that the baked mushroom might act similarly to the raw mushroom with regard to cancer induction, no such studies to date have been undertaken. Thus far cancer epidemiologists have not initiated any research in revealing the effect of mushroom consumption in humans. The practical, frequent question as to whether to cease the consumption of some of the baked mushrooms cannot be answered until additional critical information becomes available. At present, there is no reason for the public to panic.