Toxic organisms are capable of producing harmful substances that can adversely affect other living organisms, including humans. Some mushrooms produce powerful toxins that can cause serious poisoning. Boletus satanas, with its impressive size and colour, is also renowned for its toxicity. It causes severe gastrointestinal disorders, with violent symptoms. It deserves particular attention due to its resemblance to certain edible boletus. This survey was carried out near the coastal region of Ghazaouet, in the Traras mountains, Tlemcen wilaya. The aim of the present study is to characterize the morphological features of this species and subsequently investigate the myco-chemical screening of the hydro-methanolic extract for the purpose of determining the predominant chemical families of its secondary metabolites using simple methods and techniques that can be rapidly applied. The results of mycochemical screening performed on the extract revealed the presence of substances belonging to classes of active compounds, including alkaloids, coumarins, free quinones, flavonoids, reducing compounds, terpenoids, and saponins. Tannins, anthraquinones and anthocyanins were absent. The morphological determination of this mushroom is based on a series of macroscopic and microscopic criteria. This mushroom is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete that grows mainly on calcareous soils, in symbiosis with some broadleaved trees. Its distinctive features include a massive morphology and contrasting colors. It can be recognized by its large pale cap, its red pores, its pot-bellied yellow stem with a red network, and its flesh, which turns blue when cut. Under the effect of Melzer's solution, the stipe undergoes an inamyloid reaction. The spore is olive brown to brown in colour. The spores measure 10-15 x 5.5-6.5 µm and are elliptical to sub-fusiform. These preliminary results encourage further research to assess and evaluate their biological activities.
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Boletus satanas Lenz, a toxic wild mushroom from the northwest Algerian coast: morphological identification and mycochemical screening
Published:
08 September 2025
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Online Conference on Toxins
session Plant, Animal, Insect and Microbial Toxins: New Developments
Abstract:
Keywords: Toxic mushrooms; Boletus satanas; morphological recognition; biotoxic compounds, Traras Mountains, Ghazaouet coastline
