Which plants cause hepatic toxicity (hepatocellular degeneration)?

• A. Mustards (Brassica)
• B. Lupine (Lupinus)
• C. Deadly Amanita and Death Angel (Amanita, Galerina), False Sago Palm (Cycas), Cycads (Zamia), Blue-Green Algae (Microcystis)
• D. Nettle and Stinging Nettles

Answer: (C)

Hepatocellular degeneration occurs when toxins specifically injure liver cells, leading to liver cell death and potential liver failure. The group that best fits this pattern includes amatoxins from certain mushrooms (Amanita and related species) and toxins from cycads (cycasin) plus microcystins from blue-green algae. Amatoxins irreversibly block RNA polymerase II, causing extensive hepatic cell death; cycasin from cycads is metabolized to compounds that damage hepatocytes; and microcystins inhibit protein phosphatases, triggering acute liver necrosis. These are classic liver-specific toxins, which is why this group is the correct match. The other plants listed tend to have different toxic effects rather than primarily causing hepatocellular degeneration.