First, some boring biochemistry- Alcohol is converted to Acetaldehyde by Alcohol Dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is then converted to Acetic Acid by Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase.

One of the most interesting thing about this mushroom is that it inhibits the enzyme Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase. This means that if eaten with alcohol (like all food should be), it leads to the accumulation of Acetaldehyde which is a major factor in hangovers. Acetaldehyde can also cause a more immediate onset of facial flushing, nausea and tachycardia. This is the same mechanism as the commonly used medication Antabuse (Disulfiram) which is used to treat Alcohol abuse by making people feel horrible if they drink. Approximately 33% of Asians have genetically low levels of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase which leads to facial flushing and the other symptoms mentioned above after drinking alcohol.


This article was written by Erik Paulson

Tags: mushroom, mushrooms, ink cap, ink, cap , inky cap, inky, salt and limes, Erik paulson, hangover, hangovers, acetaldehyde, dehydrogenase, Enyzme, antabuse, disufiram, alcohol, common