PlantFunChinese Aconite Toxic?
Contains aconitine, one of the strongest known plant toxins, with total alkaloid content ranging from 0.2% to 3%
Symptom onset occurs within minutes of oral ingestion, with death possible from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest
Horses, donkeys and goats have higher sensitivity to its toxicity than sheep
FAQ
Is Chinese Aconite toxic to Humans?
Burning/tingling in the mouth, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, colic, restlessness, anxiety, numbness, ataxia, weakness, convulsions, potential coma, hypotension, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, dilated pupils, vision loss/blindness, hypothermia, dyspnea, cyanosis, death from respiratory or cardiac failure (Severe)
Is Chinese Aconite toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available; expected to present similar neurological, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms as other mammals, potentially fatal if ingested (Severe)
Is Chinese Aconite toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available; expected to present similar neurological, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms as other mammals, potentially fatal if ingested (Severe)
Is Chinese Aconite toxic to Horses?
Highly sensitive to poisoning; exhibits all general mammalian toxic symptoms, with a far lower lethal ingestion dose than sheep (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Burning/tingling in the mouth, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, colic, restlessness, anxiety, numbness, ataxia, weakness, convulsions, potential coma, hypotension, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, dilated pupils, vision loss/blindness, hypothermia, dyspnea, cyanosis, death from respiratory or cardiac failure
No species-specific data available; expected to present similar neurological, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms as other mammals, potentially fatal if ingested
No species-specific data available; expected to present similar neurological, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms as other mammals, potentially fatal if ingested
Highly sensitive to poisoning; exhibits all general mammalian toxic symptoms, with a far lower lethal ingestion dose than sheep
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
- • Continuously monitor heart rate and breathing rhythm while waiting for emergency care
- • Do not give any food, drink or over-the-counter medications unless directed by a medical professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of this plant, even in small amounts
- • Onset of mouth tingling, excessive salivation, vomiting or abnormal behavior after exposure
- • Presentation of irregular heart rate, difficulty breathing, seizures or loss of consciousness
Prevention
- • Grow this plant only in areas completely inaccessible to children, pets and livestock
- • Verify botanical identity carefully when foraging for wild celery or horseradish to avoid root misidentification
- • Wear waterproof protective gloves when handling fresh plant material to avoid skin absorption of toxins
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Gastrointestinal decontamination via induced vomiting, gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration
- • Symptomatic supportive care including continuous cardiac monitoring, arrhythmia management and respiratory support
- • Avoid administration of digitalis or strophanthin, as these substances are contraindicated for this type of poisoning
Professional Toxicology
• Aconitine and related alkaloids bind to sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, disrupting normal electrical signaling
• Toxins suppress respiratory center function and interfere with cardiac rhythm regulation
• Toxicity reduces gradually with long-term storage and drying due to natural alkaloid degradation
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.