Golden dewdrop Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,912 found this helpful
Golden dewdrop
1

Entire plant is toxic, with highest concentrations of harmful compounds in leaves and ripe berries

2

Ingestion can cause fatal poisoning in cats, dogs, and birds within 18 hours of first symptom onset

3

No specific antidote exists; treatment relies on decontamination and symptomatic supportive care

FAQ

Is Golden dewdrop toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data reported, but ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and potentially severe effects in large quantities (High)

Is Golden dewdrop toxic to Cats?

Hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, melena (digested blood in stool), pale mucous membranes, apathy, hyperesthesia, tonic/tetanic seizures, coma, death from respiratory paralysis (High)

Is Golden dewdrop toxic to Dogs?

Hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, melena (digested blood in stool), pale mucous membranes, apathy, hyperesthesia, tonic/tetanic seizures, coma, death from respiratory paralysis (High)

Is Golden dewdrop toxic to Horses?

No confirmed equine toxicity cases reported, but ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and neurological symptoms (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans
High

No confirmed human toxicity data reported, but ingestion is expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and potentially severe effects in large quantities

Cats
High

Hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, melena (digested blood in stool), pale mucous membranes, apathy, hyperesthesia, tonic/tetanic seizures, coma, death from respiratory paralysis

Dogs
High

Hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, melena (digested blood in stool), pale mucous membranes, apathy, hyperesthesia, tonic/tetanic seizures, coma, death from respiratory paralysis

Horses
Moderate

No confirmed equine toxicity cases reported, but ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and neurological symptoms

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, particularly leaves and ripe berries
Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary exposure route; no confirmed contact toxicity reported
Toxic CompoundsTriterpene saponins; Iridoid glycosides (durantoside, duranterectoside, lamiide, lamiidoside, verbascoside); Bitter compounds (leaves and stems); Pyridine alkaloids (ripe berries, 48mg/kg dry weight); Thrombin inhibitors

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual/animal is fully conscious
  • • Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins
  • • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth and restrict access to additional plant matter
  • • Do not administer food, water, or home remedies unless explicitly instructed by a medical/veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of the plant
  • • Onset of hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy after potential exposure
  • • Development of seizures, unresponsiveness, or pale mucous membranes

Prevention

  • • Keep this plant out of reach of pets, livestock, and young children
  • • Clearly label the plant if grown in home gardens to avoid accidental ingestion
  • • Regularly remove fallen berries to prevent access by foraging animals

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination appropriate for the exposure timeline
  • • Administer diazepam, pentobarbital, or propofol to control central nervous system seizures
  • • Provide supportive care for gastrointestinal bleeding and impaired respiratory function
  • • Monitor vital signs closely for at least 24 hours post-exposure
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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDuranta erecta L. (synonyms: Duranta repens L., Duranta plumieri Jacq.)
AliasesPigeon berry、Skyflower、Cayenne vanilla bush、Single-stemmed skyflower
Toxicity Grade
HumansHigh
CatsHigh
DogsHigh
HorsesModerate
Target Organs
Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemRespiratory systemBlood coagulation pathways
Mechanism of Action

• Triterpene saponins cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding

• Iridoid glycosides and pyridine alkaloids induce neurotoxic effects including seizures

• Thrombin inhibitors disrupt normal blood clotting function

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Gouldian finch (Chloebia gouldiae): Fatal poisoning reported within 18 hours of first symptom onset
Australian king parrot (Alisterus scapularis): Fatal poisoning reported within 18 hours of first symptom onset
Australian ringneck (Barnardius barnardi): Fatal poisoning reported within 18 hours of first symptom onset
Kangaroo: Lethargy and apathy reported post-ingestion
Cow: Lethargy and apathy reported post-ingestion
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Brunfelsia sp.
Visually similar flowering shrub; Brunfelsia has distinct purple-to-white fading flowers and is also highly toxic, key difference is Duranta produces characteristic golden berry clusters
Potato plant (foliage) Solanum tuberosum
Similar leaf shape; potato foliage contains solanine alkaloids and is highly toxic, Duranta produces small orange/golden berries while potato produces green inedible tubers
Potato vine Solanum laxum (syn. Solanum jasmoides)
Similar white/light purple flower clusters; potato vine is moderately toxic, key difference is it is a vining species while Duranta is an upright shrub
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Related Toxic Plants

Common lantana
Common lantana
Lantana camara
Highly toxic
Brazilian vervain
Verbena brasiliensis
Moderately toxic
Texas lantana
Lantana urticoides
Highly toxic

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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.

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