PlantFunChinese Cassia / Chinese Cinnamon Toxic?
Chinese cassia is safe for humans in typical small culinary doses
It contains significantly higher coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, posing health risks at high intake
The plant is strictly unsuitable for use as animal feed for all species
FAQ
Is Chinese Cassia / Chinese Cinnamon toxic to Humans?
No adverse effects with normal culinary use; prolonged high intake may cause liver damage and elevated cancer risk (Non-toxic)
Is Chinese Cassia / Chinese Cinnamon toxic to Cats?
No acute toxicity from small accidental ingestion; high doses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver impairment (Low)
Is Chinese Cassia / Chinese Cinnamon toxic to Dogs?
No acute toxicity from small accidental ingestion; high doses may cause gastrointestinal distress and liver dysfunction (Low)
Is Chinese Cassia / Chinese Cinnamon toxic to Horses?
No acute toxicity from minor exposure; regular high intake may cause liver damage and digestive issues (Low)
Toxicity Details
No adverse effects with normal culinary use; prolonged high intake may cause liver damage and elevated cancer risk
No acute toxicity from small accidental ingestion; high doses may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver impairment
No acute toxicity from small accidental ingestion; high doses may cause gastrointestinal distress and liver dysfunction
No acute toxicity from minor exposure; regular high intake may cause liver damage and digestive issues
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth with clean water if large quantities are ingested
- • Monitor for gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, pain) for 24 hours post-ingestion
- • Record the approximate amount ingested to share with medical/veterinary staff if needed
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If your pet or horse ingested large volumes of cassia bark or essential oil
- • If you observe jaundice, lethargy, or loss of appetite after ingestion
- • If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours post-exposure
Prevention
- • Never use Chinese cassia as a feed additive for any companion or farm animals
- • Choose Ceylon cinnamon instead of Chinese cassia for regular high-quantity consumption
- • Store cassia bark and essential oil products out of reach of pets and young children
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Provide supportive care for gastrointestinal symptoms including antiemetics and fluid therapy if needed
- • Monitor liver function for patients that ingested very high doses of cassia
- • Administer symptomatic care, as no specific antidote exists for coumarin toxicity from this plant
Professional Toxicology
• High single doses or prolonged high intake of coumarin causes oxidative damage to liver cells, and long-term exposure is linked to increased cancer risk in research
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
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.