The genus Amanita contains about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide, as well as some well-regarded edible species. This genus is responsible for approximately 95% of the fatalities resulting from mushroom poisoning, with the death cap accounting for about 50% on its own. The most potent toxin present in these mushrooms is α-amanitin.

The amanita toxins are usually cyclic hexapeptides which are synthesized on ribosomes, unlike many other cyclic peptides which are synthesized by specific sets of enzymes.