PlantFunAfrican plantain Toxic?
Classified as low toxicity, with the entire plant containing small amounts of the iridoid glycoside aucubin
Aucubin ingestion may cause gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, and colic
Aucubin is inactive in dried hay, and <10% Plantago content in livestock feed is considered safe
FAQ
Is African plantain toxic to Humans?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain/colic (Low)
Is African plantain toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea if large amounts are ingested (Low)
Is African plantain toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea if large amounts are ingested (Low)
Is African plantain toxic to Horses?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic; small amounts in hay are non-toxic (Low)
Toxicity Details
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain/colic
No species-specific toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea if large amounts are ingested
No species-specific toxicity data available; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea if large amounts are ingested
Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic; small amounts in hay are non-toxic
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes and the individual is conscious and not experiencing convulsions
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant matter
- • Offer small sips of clean water to dilute gastrointestinal irritants if no vomiting is present
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If severe diarrhea, persistent colic, or gastrointestinal distress lasts longer than 24 hours post-ingestion
- • If a large quantity of fresh plant material was ingested by children, pets, or livestock
- • If allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulty develop after exposure
Prevention
- • Avoid allowing unsupervised children and pets to graze on unknown wild Plantago species
- • Verify livestock feed and hay composition to ensure Plantago content is within safe <10% limits
- • Confirm accurate species identification before using any Plantago species for medicinal or culinary purposes
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions as clinically indicated
- • Provide symptomatic care including anti-diarrheal medication, fluid therapy, and colic pain relief as needed
- • Monitor gastrointestinal function and vital signs until all symptoms resolve completely
Professional Toxicology
• Aucubin, the primary active irritant, irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation, disrupted digestive function, and associated gastrointestinal symptoms
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.