Chicken of the woods, also known as Laetiporus or Laetiporus sulphureus, is a type of edible mushroom that grows on trees. It is most commonly found growing on oak trees, but can also grow on other hardwoods. Chicken of the woods is prized by mushroom foragers for its meaty texture and mild, lemony flavor. When cooked properly, it can taste just like chicken! However, like any wild mushroom, chicken of the woods does come with some potential side effects that foragers should be aware of.
Upset stomach
One of the most common side effects of eating chicken of the woods is gastrointestinal distress or an upset stomach. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. This typically occurs when the mushroom is eaten raw or undercooked.
Chicken of the woods contains chitin in its cell walls, which is indigestible to humans when raw. Cooking helps break down the chitin and make the mushroom easier to digest. Eating raw or undercooked chicken of the woods leads to the chitin passing through the digestive system intact, which irritates the stomach and intestines.
Additionally, some people may have sensitivities or allergies to mushrooms that can cause gastric side effects. Start with a small portion of cooked chicken of the woods to assess your tolerance.
Allergic reactions
Some people are allergic to mushrooms and chicken of the woods is no exception. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include:
- Itchy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin or hives
- Tingling in the mouth
Severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are rare but possible, especially in those with multiple mushroom allergies. Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
To be safe, anyone with known mushroom or food allergies should avoid eating chicken of the woods.
Gastrointestinal issues
Beyond just upset stomach, improperly prepared chicken of the woods has been associated with other gastrointestinal issues:
- Diarrhea or loose stools – Again, caused by irritating compounds like chitin when the mushroom is undercooked.
- Constipation – The indigestible fibers can lead to temporary constipation in some people.
- Cramping and bloating – Abdominal discomfort from irritated bowels.
Proper cooking and avoiding overconsumption can help minimize GI problems when eating chicken of the woods.
Liver toxicity
There are isolated reports of people developing liver damage after eating raw chicken of the woods mushrooms. One study found a potential link between consumption of raw Laetiporus sulphureus and elevated liver enzymes:
| Patient | Mushroom | ALT | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw | 534 U/L | 347 U/L |
| 2 | Raw | 917 U/L | 762 U/L |
| 3 | Cooked | 10 U/L | 15 U/L |
However, liver issues appear rare and cases have only been linked to consuming raw chicken of the woods. Cooking the mushroom seems to neutralize the compounds responsible.
Drug interactions
Chicken of the woods contains lovastatin-like compounds that can interfere with prescription medications. Specifically, it can enhance the effects of statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Consuming chicken of the woods along with the following medications is not recommended:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
The mushroom compounds may increase the risk of muscle injury (myopathy) and liver damage. Anyone on statin therapy should avoid eating chicken of the woods.
Kidney toxicity
While very rare, there are isolated case reports linking chicken of the woods mushroom consumption to acute kidney injury.
One case involved a 73-year-old man developing kidney failure after eating Laetiporus sulphureus mushrooms he had picked himself. It’s hypothesized that oxalate compounds in the mushrooms crystallized in the kidneys, damaging the renal tubes.
However, the patient had underlying chronic kidney disease which likely put him at higher risk of mushroom-induced kidney injury. Healthy individuals appear less likely to experience major kidney issues from properly cooked chicken of the woods.
Drug interactions
Chicken of the woods contains lovastatin-like compounds that can interfere with prescription medications. Specifically, it can enhance the effects of statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Consuming chicken of the woods along with the following medications is not recommended:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
The mushroom compounds may increase the risk of muscle injury (myopathy) and liver damage. Anyone on statin therapy should avoid eating chicken of the woods.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity reactions are possible with chicken of the woods mushrooms. This occurs when chemicals in the mushroom make the skin extra sensitive to UV light.
Consuming or handling chicken of the woods and then exposing your skin to sunlight can potentially cause a rash, blistering, redness, or itching where exposed. Wearing sunscreen can help prevent this reaction.
Nausea and vomiting
It’s quite common to experience nausea or vomiting after ingesting raw or undercooked chicken of the woods mushrooms. This occurs from irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Thorough cooking helps destroy the irritants.
In some cases, even cooked chicken of the woods can cause nausea/vomiting due to individual sensitivities, allergies, or simply overconsumption of a large meal. It’s best to start with a small portion to assess your reaction.
Conclusion
When cooked thoroughly, chicken of the woods mushrooms are safe and delicious to eat for most people. However, they do pose some risks of side effects, especially when consumed raw or undercooked. The most common issues are gastrointestinal in nature, including stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping and more.
Rare but serious effects like liver damage and kidney failure have occurred in isolated cases from raw chicken of the woods. Allergic reactions are also possible. And the mushroom can interact with certain medications like statins. Using proper preparation methods and moderation can help minimize any risks.
Chicken of the woods mushrooms remain one of the tastiest and most sustainable wild edible species. Just be aware of the potential side effects, particularly from raw mushrooms. With cautious enjoyment, most people can continue foraging and eating this fungal delicacy.