PlantFunEuropean eyebright Toxic?
The entire plant is toxic, containing the iridoid glycoside aucubin that disrupts digestive function
Ingestion may trigger gastrointestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and colic in humans and animals
Long-term application to eyes with dry eye syndrome worsens related symptoms
FAQ
Is European eyebright toxic to Humans?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, indigestion, diarrhea, colic if ingested; worsened dry eye symptoms with long-term ocular use (Low)
Is European eyebright toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects (Low)
Is European eyebright toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects (Low)
Is European eyebright toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects (Low)
Toxicity Details
Gastrointestinal inflammation, indigestion, diarrhea, colic if ingested; worsened dry eye symptoms with long-term ocular use
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects
No species-specific data recorded; expected to present with digestive distress including diarrhea and colic if ingested, consistent with general toxicity effects
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant material
- • Induce vomiting only if advised by a medical professional or veterinarian, within 1 hour of ingestion
- • If plant material was applied to eyes, flush eyes with sterile saline or clean water for 10-15 minutes
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of more than a small amount of the plant by children or pets
- • Development of diarrhea, colic, or abdominal pain after exposure
- • Worsening of dry eye symptoms after use of products containing this plant
Prevention
- • Keep ornamental or wild European eyebright plants out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
- • Avoid long-term use of eyebright-based eye products for dry eye without medical supervision
- • Do not consume wild-harvested eyebright unless positively identified to avoid confusion with related toxic species
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (activated charcoal administration) as appropriate for exposure amount
- • Provide symptomatic care including fluid therapy for diarrhea and anti-spasmodic medication for colic symptoms
- • Discontinue use of eyebright-containing eye products and administer supportive ocular care for worsened dry eye symptoms
Professional Toxicology
• Aucubin disrupts gastrointestinal function, triggering inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining
• Long-term ocular application interferes with ocular surface health in cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.