[The forensic chemical diagnosis of mushroom poisonings].

Forensic chemical diagnosis of mushroom poisonings is a problem still to be solved. We propose qualitative tests (color and microcrystal) and thin-layer chromatography for identification of mushroom toxins belonging to alkaloids, aromatic amines, hydrazines, and phenols in fresh mushroom tissue and in biological material. Comparative analysis of the composition of edible and toxic mushrooms revealed the presence of toxins in both groups. Methods for identification of the toxic components and measurements of their concentrations expressed as relevant indexes (micrograms of a toxic component per gram of fresh mushroom tissue) are proposed. A method of forensic chemical differential diagnosis of poisoning with the most prevalent toxic mushrooms is offered.