Galanthus nivalis can be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, though it is not a cure. Snowdrops contain also an active lectin or agglutinin named GNA for "Galanthus nivalis agglutinin". Potatoes have been genetically modified with the GNA gene. In 1998 Árpád Pusztai said in an interview on a World in Action programme that his group had observed damage to the intestines and immune systems of rats fed the genetically modified potatoes. He also said "If I had the choice I would certainly not eat it", and that "I find it's very unfair to use our fellow citizens as guinea pigs".
Amanita nivalis Amanita nivalis Amanita nivalis, the snow ringless amanita or mountain grisette, is a species of basidomycote fungus in the genus "Amanita". It was first described by the Scottish mycologist Robert Kaye Greville in 1826 from specimens found growing at high altitudes in the Scottish Highlands. He gave it the Latin epithet "nivalis" (of the snow) to indicate the alpine type habitat in which he found it growing rather than to describe its white colour. "Amanita nivalis" is a small species of fungus which is usually white when young but which becomes tinged with grey or buff as it ages. It