Scleroderma citrinum (Scleroderma citrinum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

What makes Scleroderma citrinum toxic to humans?

Scleroderma citrinum, commonly called the common earthball, contains toxic compounds including sclerodermin, terpenes, and ergosterol derivatives that cause gastrointestinal toxicity when consumed. Unlike edible puffballs, this fungus has a firm, purple-black interior (gleba) rather than pure white tissue. The toxins can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. Evidence level C indicates limited research on specific toxicological mechanisms. This fungus should never be consumed for any purpose.

Does Scleroderma citrinum interact with medications?

Scleroderma citrinum has no established medicinal use and should never be consumed, so drug interaction studies do not exist. The fungus is toxic and contains compounds that cause gastrointestinal toxicity. There is no therapeutic context in which interactions would be relevant. If accidentally ingested, seek immediate medical attention, as the toxic effects may compound with certain medications. This is not a medicinal herb but a toxic fungus included for identification purposes.

What is a safe dosage of Scleroderma citrinum?

There is no safe dosage of Scleroderma citrinum. This fungus is toxic and should not be consumed in any amount. Unlike true puffballs (Lycoperdon species), which are edible when young and white throughout, Scleroderma citrinum causes gastrointestinal toxicity even in small quantities. Traditional use does not exist for this species. Do not attempt to use this fungus medicinally or culinarily. If you have consumed any amount, contact a poison control center immediately.

Is Scleroderma citrinum safe during pregnancy?

Scleroderma citrinum is unsafe during pregnancy and should never be consumed by anyone, pregnant or not. The toxic compounds in this fungus, including sclerodermin and terpenes, can cause gastrointestinal distress and pose additional risks during pregnancy. No medicinal use exists for this species. Pregnant individuals should avoid all wild mushroom foraging without expert guidance, as misidentification can have serious consequences for both mother and fetus.

How do you identify Scleroderma citrinum vs edible puffballs?

Scleroderma citrinum (common earthball) can be distinguished from edible puffballs by examining the interior. When cut open, earthballs have a firm, purple-black gleba rather than pure white, marshmallow-like tissue found in young puffballs. The outer skin is thick, warty, and yellowish-brown, turning darker with age. Edible puffballs have thin, smooth skin and pure white interiors when young. Always cut puffballs vertically to check for these distinguishing features before consumption.

What are the symptoms of Scleroderma citrinum poisoning?

Consumption of Scleroderma citrinum primarily causes gastrointestinal toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear within hours of ingestion, with severity depending on the amount consumed. Unlike some deadly mushrooms, earthball poisoning is rarely fatal but can cause significant discomfort and dehydration. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical documentation. Seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected, especially in children or immunocompromised individuals.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Scleroderma citrinum, commonly known as the common earthball, is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete fungus that forms mutualistic symbioses with various trees [PMID:39781500, PMID:20702021].

Contexte

Scleroderma citrinum is a widespread ectomycorrhizal fungus belonging to the Sclerodermataceae family [PMID:39781500]. It associates with various hosts, including chestnut trees (Castanea mollissima), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), and pines (Pinus pinaster, Pinus sylvestris, and Pinus radiata) [PMID:39781500, PMID:37108671, PMID:20702021, PMID:14871686, PMID:14652215].

Usages traditionnels

Some species of wild-grown mushrooms in China are used in traditional medicine, and Scleroderma citrinum is listed among the 48 species analyzed for arsenic content in this context [PMID:26349517].

Composés actifs

Isolated compounds include a new lanostane-type triterpenoid ((20 S,22 S,23 E)-22- O-acetyl-25-hydroxylanosta-8,23( E)-dien-3-one), methyl 4,4'-dimethoxyvulpinate, and 4,4'-dimethoxyvulpinic acid [PMID:12865983]. Pulvinic acid dimers have also been identified [PMID:15054803].

Mécanisme d'action

A lanostane-type triterpenoid from S. citrinum has demonstrated antiviral activity against Herpes simplex type 1 [PMID:12865983]. Derivatives of 4,4'-dimethoxyvulpinic acid showed activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cytotoxicity against the NCI-H187 cell line [PMID:12865983].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHerpes simplex type 1

A lanostane-type triterpenoid isolated from S. citrinum exhibited significant antiviral activity [PMID:12865983]

Preuve DMycobacterium tuberculosis

4,4'-dimethoxyvulpinic acid and its derivatives exhibited activity against the bacteria [PMID:12865983]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Scleroderma citrinum is noted to have known toxic effects [PMID:42220128]. A case of poisoning was reported in a miniature Chinese pot-bellied pig [PMID:2389545]. Additionally, it has been found to contain arsenic, with one study reporting the highest content among 48 species at 1.70 mg kg-1 dry weight [PMID:26349517].

Synthèse des preuves

The available evidence is primarily based on in vitro chemical analysis, mycological studies, and environmental sampling (Level D). There are no human clinical trials provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 15054803 (2004) — Unusual pulvinic acid dimers from the common fungi Scleroderma citrinum (common earthball) and Chalciporus piperatus (peppery bolete). · Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
2.PMID: 32248416 (2020) — Atmospheric fallout impact on 210Po and 210Pb content in wild growing mushrooms. · Environmental science and pollution research international
3.PMID: 27913893 (2017) — Scleroderma areolatum ectomycorrhiza on Fagus sylvatica L. · Mycorrhiza
4.PMID: 33863147 (1997) — Copper-binding proteins in ectomycorrhizal fungi. · The New phytologist
5.PMID: 39781500 (2025) — Draft genomes and assemblies of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes Scleroderma citrinum hr and S. yunnanense jo associated with chestnut trees. · Journal of genomics

Scleroderma citrinum

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Scleroderma citrinum