Persian cyclamen Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,276 found this helpful

All parts of Persian cyclamen are toxic, with the highest concentration of dangerous saponins found in the tubers.

Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, circulatory issues, seizures, and even fatal respiratory paralysis in severe cases.

The plant is highly toxic to fish, particularly its root and tuber tissue if introduced to aquatic environments.

FAQ

Is Persian cyclamen toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, circulatory impairment, seizures, hemolysis, respiratory paralysis in severe cases (Moderate)

Is Persian cyclamen toxic to Cats?

Expected to cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and potential neurological or respiratory effects with large ingestions (Moderate)

Is Persian cyclamen toxic to Dogs?

Expected to cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and potential neurological or respiratory effects with large ingestions (Moderate)

Is Persian cyclamen toxic to Horses?

Expected to cause colic, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and potential circulatory or respiratory distress with significant ingestions (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, circulatory impairment, seizures, hemolysis, respiratory paralysis in severe cases

Cats

Moderate

Expected to cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and potential neurological or respiratory effects with large ingestions

Dogs

Moderate

Expected to cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and potential neurological or respiratory effects with large ingestions

Horses

Moderate

Expected to cause colic, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and potential circulatory or respiratory distress with significant ingestions

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, with the highest toxin concentration present in the tubers (root bulbs)

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant part (especially tubers) is the primary exposure route; mild skin irritation from tuber contact is possible but rare

Toxic CompoundsSaponins; Cyclamin (triterpene saponin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected individual's mouth and rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water
• If the affected person/animal is alert and ingestion occurred within the last 10 minutes, offer small sips of water to dilute toxins
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed medical provider or veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Persian cyclamen plant material, especially tubers
• Development of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, or difficulty breathing after exposure
• If cyclamen tuber/root material is accidentally added to a fish tank or natural water body with aquatic life

Prevention

• Keep Persian cyclamen plants out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and horses
• Never discard cyclamen trimmings, tubers, or dead plant material near water bodies, fish tanks, or livestock grazing areas
• Wear disposable gloves when handling cyclamen tubers to avoid potential mild skin irritation

Treatment & Prognosis

• Prompt decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration) as directed by a healthcare provider or veterinarian
• Supportive symptomatic care including fluid therapy, anti-emetics, and seizure control if symptoms develop
• Continuous monitoring for signs of circulatory impairment or respiratory distress, with appropriate supportive interventions as needed

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCyclamen persicum Mill.

AliasesFlorist's cyclamen、Ornamental cyclamen

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCirculatory systemRed blood cellsNervous systemRespiratory system

Mechanism of Action

• Cyclamin and other saponins irritate the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing immediate digestive distress

• Systemically absorbed saponins disrupt cell membranes, leading to red blood cell damage (hemolysis) and circulatory system impairment

• High toxin doses can interfere with neuromuscular function, leading to potentially fatal respiratory muscle paralysis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Fish: All plant parts are toxic to fish, with tubers and roots presenting the highest risk of severe poisoning and fatality if introduced to aquatic environments

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other cyclamen species Cyclamen spp.

Other Cyclamen varieties are visually highly similar to Persian cyclamen, and all contain toxic saponins that pose equivalent ingestion risks. Persian cyclamen is distinguished by its larger, more ornate flowers, as it is the most common commercially sold ornamental cyclamen species.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common primrose

Primula vulgaris

Low to moderately toxic

Eastern shooting star

Dodecatheon meadia

Low toxicity

Creeping Jenny (moneywort)

Lysimachia nummularia

Low to moderately toxic

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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.