Water hyssop Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,434 found this helpful

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell

No confirmed animal poisoning cases from this plant are recorded in existing available literature

All parts of this plant are not appropriate to use as feed for any companion animals or livestock

It is frequently confused with non-toxic Centella asiatica, so accurate identification is critical before allowing animal access

FAQ

Is Water hyssop toxic to Humans?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested (Non-toxic)

Is Water hyssop toxic to Cats?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting or appetite loss if ingestion occurs (Non-toxic)

Is Water hyssop toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting or appetite loss if ingestion occurs (Non-toxic)

Is Water hyssop toxic to Horses?

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, diarrhea or reduced feed intake if ingestion occurs (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested

Cats

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting or appetite loss if ingestion occurs

Dogs

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, vomiting or appetite loss if ingestion occurs

Horses

Non-toxic

No confirmed poisoning symptoms are documented; monitor for unusual lethargy, diarrhea or reduced feed intake if ingestion occurs

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts have no documented toxicity, but the entire plant is unsuitable for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only potential known exposure route; no dermal or inhalation toxicity risks are reported

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds have been explicitly identified in available published literature for this species

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth and living area immediately
• Rinse the animal's mouth with clean lukewarm water if it is safe to do so
• Monitor the animal closely for any unusual behavioral or physical changes for the first 24 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal exhibits consistent unusual symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy after ingestion
• If a very large quantity of the plant was consumed, especially by small companion animals or foals
• If you are unsure whether the ingested plant is Bacopa monnieri or a potentially toxic lookalike species

Prevention

• Keep this aquarium plant out of reach of companion animals and livestock to avoid accidental ingestion
• Always correctly identify any plant before allowing animals to graze or interact with it
• Never use this plant as a feed source for any animal species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care based on presented symptoms if any adverse effects occur
• No specific antidote is required as no confirmed toxic effects are linked to this species
• Monitor hydration and vital signs if any mild gastrointestinal upset occurs post-ingestion

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell

AliasesWaterhyssop、Brahmi、Thyme-leafed gratiola、Herb of grace、Indian pennywort

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific organ toxicity has been reported in existing research

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms have been identified for this species as no verified poisoning cases have been published to date

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No poisoning cases documented, but ingestion is not recommended as the plant is not suitable for feed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity reported, but avoid feeding this plant to small mammal pets

Pet birds: No adverse effects documented, but intentional feeding of this plant is not advised

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Asiatic pennywort Centella asiatica

The two plants are often confused due to their similar small, rounded leaf morphology; Centella asiatica is confirmed non-toxic for all species while Bacopa monnieri is not suitable for animal feed

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Related Toxic Plants

Purple foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Severe, contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal arrhythmias

Yellow toadflax

Linaria vulgaris

Moderate, causes gastrointestinal irritation and mild neurological symptoms if ingested in large quantities

Water speedwell

Veronica anagallis-aquatica

Low, causes mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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