Black Henbane Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,236 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, especially roots and seeds, with toxicity retained even in dried fodder

Poisoning causes severe anticholinergic symptoms including convulsions, paralysis, and cardiac/respiratory abnormalities

Morphine or opiate medications are contraindicated for treatment due to dangerous synergistic effects

FAQ

Is Black Henbane toxic to Humans?

Anticholinergic syndrome: restlessness, dilated pupils, tachycardia, respiratory distress, convulsions, hallucinations, paralysis in severe cases (Severe)

Is Black Henbane toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available, expected to present anticholinergic symptoms including dilated pupils, tachycardia, seizures, respiratory distress (High)

Is Black Henbane toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific data available, expected to show anticholinergic effects: dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, agitation, convulsions, potential paralysis (High)

Is Black Henbane toxic to Horses?

Rapid breathing, mania/excitability, increased thirst, constipation, paralysis (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Anticholinergic syndrome: restlessness, dilated pupils, tachycardia, respiratory distress, convulsions, hallucinations, paralysis in severe cases

Cats

High

No species-specific data available, expected to present anticholinergic symptoms including dilated pupils, tachycardia, seizures, respiratory distress

Dogs

High

No species-specific data available, expected to show anticholinergic effects: dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, agitation, convulsions, potential paralysis

Horses

Severe

Rapid breathing, mania/excitability, increased thirst, constipation, paralysis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, especially the roots and seeds; toxicity remains present in dried fodder

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin absorption of plant sap and inhalation of seed dust are also possible

Toxic CompoundsL-Hyoscyamine; Scopolamine; Atropine (D,L-Hyoscyamine)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 1 hour and the affected individual is fully conscious
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins if no contraindications exist
• Move the affected individual to a quiet, low-light space to reduce agitation and overstimulation

Contact Vet Immediately

• Immediately if any henbane ingestion is confirmed or suspected, even before symptoms appear
• If symptoms like dilated pupils, convulsions, abnormal heart rate or breathing difficulties develop
• If the affected individual loses consciousness, seizes, or shows signs of paralysis

Prevention

• Avoid planting henbane in areas accessible to children, pets or livestock
• Carefully verify identity of foraged roots and seeds before consumption to avoid accidental ingestion
• Regularly inspect hay and fodder supplies to remove henbane contamination

Treatment & Prognosis

• Medical/veterinary supervised decontamination procedures
• Symptomatic supportive care tailored to presented symptoms
• Administration of physostigmine as prescribed by a licensed professional
• Avoid all morphine or opiate-containing products to prevent dangerous synergistic reactions

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHyoscyamus niger L.

AliasesHenbane、Black henbane

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Nervous systemRespiratory systemCardiovascular systemGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Contains tropane alkaloids that act as acetylcholine antagonists, disrupting normal nervous system signaling

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Poisoning symptoms include restlessness, convulsions, dilated pupils, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia, tympany, and abnormal changes in milk production

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Garden black root (scorzonera) Scorzonera hispanica L.

Henbane roots are visually similar to garden black root roots; henbane has a strong foul odor while scorzonera has a mild root vegetable scent

Parsnip Pastinaca sativa L.

Henbane roots may be confused with parsnip roots; henbane leaves are coarse, hairy and pungent-smelling, unlike parsnip foliage

Opium poppy Papaver somniferum L.

Henbane seeds are visually similar to poppy seeds; henbane seeds are slightly larger and have a distinct bitter taste

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Related Toxic Plants

Deadly nightshade

Atropa belladonna L.

Severely toxic

Jimsonweed

Datura stramonium L.

Severely toxic

Mandrake

Mandragora officinarum L.

Severely toxic

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.