PlantFunVariegated monk's hood Toxic?
Contains aconitine, one of the strongest known plant toxins, with fresh plant alkaloid content ranging between 0.2-3%
All plant parts are toxic, with highest concentration in roots, seeds and flower water; toxicity reduces with drying and long-term storage
Poisoning symptoms onset within minutes of ingestion, and death may occur rapidly from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest
FAQ
Is Variegated monk's hood toxic to Humans?
Rapid onset (minutes post-ingestion) of mouth burning, tingling/numbness, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, thirst, anxiety, restlessness, muscle tingling, ataxia, weakness, convulsions, possible coma, low blood pressure, bradycardia followed by tachyarrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, dilated pupils, vision loss, hypothermia, dyspnea, bradypnea with cyanosis, death from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest (Severe)
Is Variegated monk's hood toxic to Cats?
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with high sensitivity to small ingestion amounts (Severe)
Is Variegated monk's hood toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with high sensitivity to small ingestion amounts (Severe)
Is Variegated monk's hood toxic to Horses?
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with extremely high sensitivity to even small doses (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Rapid onset (minutes post-ingestion) of mouth burning, tingling/numbness, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, thirst, anxiety, restlessness, muscle tingling, ataxia, weakness, convulsions, possible coma, low blood pressure, bradycardia followed by tachyarrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, dilated pupils, vision loss, hypothermia, dyspnea, bradypnea with cyanosis, death from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with high sensitivity to small ingestion amounts
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with high sensitivity to small ingestion amounts
No species-specific symptom data recorded; expected clinical signs align with human aconitine poisoning profiles, with extremely high sensitivity to even small doses
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with cold clean water to remove residual plant material
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes and the affected individual is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal at 1g/kg body weight if available
- • Keep the affected individual calm and still to slow toxin circulation
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of this plant
- • Onset of mouth tingling, excessive salivation, vomiting or abnormal heart rate after exposure
- • Presence of convulsions, ataxia, breathing difficulty or cyanotic (blue) skin/gums
Prevention
- • Do not plant this species in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock
- • Never confuse its roots with edible celery or horseradish; verify all foraged root crops before consumption
- • Wear protective gloves when handling this plant to avoid skin contact with sap
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, gastric lavage) appropriate for time since ingestion
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care: cardiac monitoring for arrhythmias, respiratory support, temperature regulation and seizure control
- • Avoid administration of Digitalis or Strophanthin, as these are explicitly contraindicated for aconitine poisoning
Professional Toxicology
• Diterpene alkaloids (primarily aconitine) bind to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, causing persistent activation and impaired repolarization
• Toxin disrupts normal cardiac rhythm, neuromuscular function and respiratory center activity
• Toxicity reduces gradually during storage due to natural degradation of aconitine alkaloids
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.