Stachybotrys chartarum
Also known as: Stachybotrys chartarum, Black mold, Toxic black mold
Overview
Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold, is a toxigenic filamentous fungus found in water-damaged indoor environments, particularly on cellulose-rich materials. It is not a dietary supplement ingredient. This mold produces potent mycotoxins, including macrocyclic trichothecenes and atranones, which are associated with adverse health effects. Exposure primarily occurs through inhalation of spores or mycotoxin-contaminated dust. Research focuses on its toxicology, with studies indicating pulmonary inflammation and other toxic effects in animal models. Due to its harmful nature, S. chartarum is studied as an environmental hazard rather than for any potential benefits. The primary concern is preventing and remediating its presence in indoor environments to minimize health risks.
Benefits
There are no benefits associated with Stachybotrys chartarum exposure. Instead, it is linked to adverse health outcomes, primarily pulmonary inflammation and toxicity. Research consistently demonstrates that exposure to S. chartarum and its mycotoxins leads to negative health effects, particularly affecting the respiratory system. No studies support any beneficial effects, and exposure is considered harmful across all populations. Therefore, S. chartarum is not used for any therapeutic or health-promoting purposes.
How it works
Stachybotrys chartarum exerts its toxic effects through the production of mycotoxins, such as macrocyclic trichothecenes and atranones. These toxins inhibit protein synthesis, induce oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation, particularly in lung tissue. The toxins primarily affect the respiratory system, causing intra-alveolar and interstitial inflammation. Trichothecenes disrupt eukaryotic ribosomal function, leading to cellular apoptosis and immune responses. Exposure is mainly via inhalation, with systemic absorption depending on the dose and duration of exposure.
Side effects
Exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum is considered hazardous and is associated with several adverse health effects. Common side effects include respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, pulmonary inflammation, and hemorrhagic exudates in the lungs. Less common side effects may involve immune system effects and hemolysis due to hemolysins produced by some strains. While rare, neurological effects have been investigated, but evidence supporting direct neurological toxicity is limited. Exposure should be avoided, especially by individuals with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. Children and individuals with asthma may be more susceptible to adverse effects. There are no known drug interactions, but exposure is contraindicated for all individuals.
Dosage
Not applicable. Stachybotrys chartarum is not a supplement and should not be ingested or intentionally exposed to. Exposure to any amount of S. chartarum is considered potentially harmful.
FAQs
Is Stachybotrys chartarum safe to consume as a supplement?
No. It is a toxic mold producing harmful mycotoxins and is not safe for ingestion or supplementation.
What are the health risks of exposure?
Exposure can lead to respiratory inflammation, pulmonary hemorrhage, and other toxic effects, primarily from inhalation of spores and mycotoxins.
How to prevent exposure?
Maintain indoor humidity below 50%, promptly remediate water damage, and remove mold-contaminated materials to minimize the risk of exposure.
Are there any therapeutic uses?
No clinically validated therapeutic uses exist for Stachybotrys chartarum. It is solely recognized as an environmental health hazard.
Research Sources
- https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/104/1/4/1717327 – This study identified two chemotypes of S. chartarum producing different mycotoxins (trichothecenes and atranones), both capable of inducing pulmonary inflammation in animal models. It clarifies toxin diversity but underscores the absence of human RCTs.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/abs/10.1128/cmr.16.1.144-172.2003 – This comprehensive review of indoor mold exposure focusing on S. chartarum, summarizes evidence of pulmonary toxicity in animal models caused by trichothecene mycotoxins and hemolysins. The review highlights limitations in study designs and lack of controlled human trials.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/6/1602 – This article discusses the challenges in assessing health effects from mold exposure, highlighting the need for standardized exposure assessment methods. It emphasizes the complexity of indoor mold ecology and its impact on human health.
- https://www.droracle.ai/articles/54991/what-are-the-health-effects-of-exposure-to-stachybotrys-chartarum-black-mold – This article provides an overview of the health effects associated with exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold. It highlights the potential for respiratory issues and other health problems resulting from exposure in indoor environments.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37338364/ – This research article developed a chemically defined medium to study S. chartarum growth and mycotoxin production, demonstrating how nutrient sources affect biosynthesis of macrocyclic trichothecenes and stachybotrylactam. This study advances understanding of toxin production but does not address clinical effects.
