Heliotrope Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 4,054 found this helpful

Heliotropium spp.

Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, its primary toxic constituent

Confirmed toxic to horses when ingested in large amounts or over prolonged periods

Toxicity for cats and dogs is unconfirmed, so exposure should be avoided as a precaution

FAQ

Is Heliotrope toxic to Humans?

No specific clinical data available; avoid ingestion to prevent potential liver damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Unknown)

Is Heliotrope toxic to Cats?

Toxicity unconfirmed; no documented clinical signs on record (Unknown)

Is Heliotrope toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity unconfirmed; no documented clinical signs on record (Unknown)

Is Heliotrope toxic to Horses?

Liver disease, which develops after ingestion of large quantities of the plant or cumulative long-term exposure (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Unknown

No specific clinical data available; avoid ingestion to prevent potential liver damage from pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity unconfirmed; no documented clinical signs on record

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity unconfirmed; no documented clinical signs on record

Horses

Moderate

Liver disease, which develops after ingestion of large quantities of the plant or cumulative long-term exposure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) are considered toxic, as pyrrolizidine alkaloids are distributed across the entire plant

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only confirmed exposure route leading to toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsPyrrolizidine alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth immediately
• Prevent further access to Heliotropium spp. plants in the surrounding area
• Record the approximate quantity and duration of exposure to share with medical or veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• If a horse is confirmed or suspected to have ingested any quantity of Heliotropium spp.
• If any animal (cat, dog, horse) shows unusual symptoms such as lethargy, jaundice, or appetite loss after exposure
• If you observe chronic unexplained weight loss in horses with regular access to this plant

Prevention

• Remove all Heliotropium spp. plants from pastures, stables, and areas accessible to pets and livestock
• Ensure hay and livestock feed supplies are free of Heliotropium spp. contamination
• Educate pet owners and livestock caregivers about the appearance and toxicity risks of this plant

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary supportive care for liver function, including fluid therapy and liver-protective medications
• Decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal for recent ingestions in appropriate species
• Long-term monitoring of liver enzyme levels for animals with confirmed chronic exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHeliotropium spp.

AliasesTurnsole、Cherry Pie Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansUnknown

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Liver

Mechanism of Action

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolized in the liver to reactive toxic intermediates that damage liver cells, leading to cumulative, irreversible liver injury over time

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Suspected to be at high risk of liver injury from pyrrolizidine alkaloid ingestion, similar to horses

Sheep: Moderate resistance to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity, but chronic long-term exposure may still cause permanent liver damage

Goats: Moderate resistance to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity, but large acute ingestions can lead to adverse liver effects

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Both belong to the Boraginaceae family and produce small clustered bell-shaped flowers; Comfrey has much larger, broader, hairy leaves compared to the narrower leaves of most Heliotropium species

Forget-Me-Not Myosotis spp.

Both produce small blue or purple clustered flower heads; Forget-Me-Nots are smaller, low-growing plants, while most Heliotropium species grow taller and have more strongly scented blooms

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Moderate toxicity; causes cumulative liver damage via pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Rattlepod

Crotalaria spp.

High toxicity; causes acute and chronic liver failure in livestock and humans

Hound's Tongue

Cynoglossum officinale

Moderate toxicity; contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver injury in grazing animals

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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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