PlantFunSuperb Lily Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the tuber, containing harmful colchicine and related alkaloids
Ingestion causes severe organ damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential death from respiratory paralysis
The plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with symptoms appearing 2 to 48 hours after exposure
FAQ
Is Superb Lily toxic to Humans?
Symptoms onset 2-48 hours post-ingestion: colic, excessive salivation, apathy, unsteady gait, teeth grinding, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, frequent urination, blood in urine, circulatory collapse, lack of urine output, hypothermia, paralysis, and potential death from respiratory paralysis within 1-7 days, accompanied by kidney failure, liver damage, and bone marrow suppression (High)
Is Superb Lily toxic to Cats?
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated (High)
Is Superb Lily toxic to Dogs?
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated (High)
Is Superb Lily toxic to Horses?
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated (High)
Toxicity Details
Symptoms onset 2-48 hours post-ingestion: colic, excessive salivation, apathy, unsteady gait, teeth grinding, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, frequent urination, blood in urine, circulatory collapse, lack of urine output, hypothermia, paralysis, and potential death from respiratory paralysis within 1-7 days, accompanied by kidney failure, liver damage, and bone marrow suppression
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated
Salivation, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and potential fatal respiratory paralysis if untreated
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested, do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a doctor or veterinarian, especially if the affected individual is unconscious or convulsing
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean cool water to remove any remaining plant residue
- • Wash affected skin areas with soap and water for 10-15 minutes immediately after contact with plant material or sap
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of Gloriosa superba, even if no symptoms have appeared yet
- • Development of symptoms including excessive salivation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unsteady gait after exposure
- • Signs of shock, collapse, difficulty breathing, or seizures in exposed individuals or animals
Prevention
- • Keep Gloriosa superba plants out of reach of children, pets, and livestock, avoid planting in areas accessible to cats, dogs, or horses
- • Clearly label the plant if grown in home or public gardens to prevent accidental ingestion
- • Wear disposable gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with toxic sap, never consume any part of the plant
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Prompt decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal administration under professional medical/vet supervision
- • Symptomatic supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy to support kidney and liver function, and management of bleeding and shock
- • Long-term monitoring of organ function, blood cell counts, and vital signs for up to 7 days post-exposure due to delayed toxic effects
Professional Toxicology
• Colchicine and related alkaloids inhibit normal cell division, disrupting function of rapidly dividing bodily tissues
• Toxic compounds accumulate in the kidneys and liver, causing tissue necrosis and organ failure
• Alkaloids suppress bone marrow activity, leading to reduced production of blood cells
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.