Apple of Peru Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,989 found this helpful

All parts of the plant are toxic, with the highest concentration of toxic compounds found in the roots.

Ingestion can cause severe neurological, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms, including death, in grazing livestock.

No specific antidote exists, with treatment limited to decontamination and supportive symptomatic care.

FAQ

Is Apple of Peru toxic to Humans?

No specific human exposure symptom data is available, but ingestion of its tropane alkaloids is expected to cause anticholinergic effects including dry mouth, tachycardia, confusion and seizures. (Moderate)

Is Apple of Peru toxic to Cats?

No specific documented symptoms for cats; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected. (Moderate)

Is Apple of Peru toxic to Dogs?

No specific documented symptoms for dogs; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected. (Moderate)

Is Apple of Peru toxic to Horses?

No specific documented symptoms for horses; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected. (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

No specific human exposure symptom data is available, but ingestion of its tropane alkaloids is expected to cause anticholinergic effects including dry mouth, tachycardia, confusion and seizures.

Cats

Moderate

No specific documented symptoms for cats; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs

Moderate

No specific documented symptoms for dogs; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected.

Horses

Moderate

No specific documented symptoms for horses; monitor for anticholinergic effects including lethargy, dry mouth, irregular heart rate and disorientation if ingestion is suspected.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, with highest toxicity concentrated in the roots

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is via accidental ingestion of any plant part

Toxic CompoundsPyrrolidine alkaloids (main alkaloid: Hygrin); Tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine); 2 additional uncharacterized alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed person/animal immediately.
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly advised by a medical professional or veterinarian, for conscious, alert exposed parties.
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide targeted treatment.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of this plant, regardless of ingested amount.
• Onset of abnormal symptoms including lethargy, tremors, diarrhea, irregular heart rate or unsteady gait.
• Known ingestion of root material, which contains the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids.

Prevention

• Avoid planting this species in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock.
• Learn to distinguish this plant from the edible ripe berries of Physalis alkekengi to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Dispose of all pulled plant material securely to prevent access by foraging animals.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (activated charcoal, gastric lavage) where clinically appropriate.
• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy, cardiac monitoring and seizure control as needed.
• Monitor liver function and blood parameters for abnormalities for at least 72 hours post-exposure.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameNicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.

AliasesShoo-fly plant、Blaue Giftbeere、Nicandre coqueret、Pomme du Pérou、Nicandra

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Central nervous systemCardiovascular systemGastrointestinal tractLiverRed blood cells

Mechanism of Action

• Tropane alkaloids exhibit anticholinergic activity, blocking acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system.

• Alkaloid exposure disrupts normal cardiac rhythm, gastrointestinal function and neurological signaling.

• Chronic low-level exposure impairs growth and alters blood parameter values in young livestock.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Ingestion causes depression, circling movement, tremor, tachycardia, tympany, seizures, coma and death in severe cases.

Calves: Chronic 14-day exposure to dried plant material causes dry mouth, cardiac arrhythmia, diarrhea, unsteady gait, reduced growth rate, and significantly decreased GGT and MCV blood values.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Chinese lantern plant Physalis alkekengi

Visually similar due to shared papery husked fruit structure; key difference is that fully ripe berries of Physalis alkekengi are edible, while all parts of Nicandra physalodes are 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.