PlantFunEyebright Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the iridoid glycoside aucubin that disrupts digestive function
Ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and colic in humans and animals
Prolonged application to dry eyes can worsen keratoconjunctivitis sicca symptoms
FAQ
Is Eyebright toxic to Humans?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic; prolonged eye application worsens dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) symptoms (Low)
Is Eyebright toxic to Cats?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested (Low)
Is Eyebright toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested (Low)
Is Eyebright toxic to Horses?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested (Low)
Toxicity Details
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic; prolonged eye application worsens dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) symptoms
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested
No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present gastrointestinal signs including diarrhea and colic if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • For ingestion: Induce vomiting only if the affected individual is conscious and alert, within 1 hour of consumption
- • For eye exposure: Flush eyes gently with clean lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes to remove residual plant matter
- • Collect remaining plant material for accurate identification to guide follow-up care
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of large quantities of the plant
- • Persistent diarrhea, colic, or gastrointestinal distress lasting more than 2 hours
- • Worsening dry eye symptoms after exposure to eyebright preparations
Prevention
- • Keep eyebright plants and herbal preparations containing eyebright out of reach of children and pets
- • Avoid prolonged use of eyebright products for dry eye conditions without medical supervision
- • Inspect grazing pastures regularly to remove eyebright populations to protect livestock
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Gastrointestinal decontamination via activated charcoal administration for recent large ingestions
- • Supportive care including fluid therapy to prevent dehydration from diarrhea
- • Administer prescribed anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve colic pain
- • Discontinue use of eyebright eye products and provide appropriate targeted dry eye medications if ocular symptoms worsen
Professional Toxicology
• Aucubin irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and disrupting normal digestive function
• Unidentified components in topical eyebright preparations exacerbate dry eye symptoms with prolonged use in keratoconjunctivitis sicca cases
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.