Ribwort Plantain Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,785 found this helpful

Classified as low (weakly) toxic per CliniTox, with small amounts of the iridoid glycoside aucubin as its primary toxic compound

Aucubin is inactive in hay, and up to 10% Plantago lanceolata content in forage is considered nutritionally valuable for livestock

Excess fresh consumption may trigger gastrointestinal inflammation, slowed digestion, diarrhea, or colic in affected animals

FAQ

Is Ribwort Plantain toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity reports from standard consumption; excess intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (Low)

Is Ribwort Plantain toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data available; overconsumption may lead to mild vomiting or loose stool (Low)

Is Ribwort Plantain toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data available; overconsumption may lead to mild vomiting or loose stool (Low)

Is Ribwort Plantain toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity reports from standard consumption; excess intake may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

Cats

Low

No specific toxicity data available; overconsumption may lead to mild vomiting or loose stool

Dogs

Low

No specific toxicity data available; overconsumption may lead to mild vomiting or loose stool

Horses

Low

Gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea, colic

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant; contains tannins, mucilages, small amounts of aucubin and antimicrobial compounds that are dietarily beneficial in quantities <10% of total forage

Exposure RouteIngestion (primary route for grazing livestock and foraging pets)

Toxic CompoundsAucubin (iridoid glycoside); Tannins; Mucilages; Antimicrobial compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining Plantago lanceolata material from the affected animal's access immediately
• Offer small amounts of fresh water to dilute gastrointestinal irritants if the animal is alert and able to swallow
• Monitor closely for early signs of distress including loose stool, loss of appetite, or abdominal discomfort

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal displays signs of colic, persistent diarrhea, or refusal to eat post-ingestion
• If a cat or dog has consumed more than a small handful of fresh plant material
• If symptoms of distress persist for longer than 24 hours after initial first aid measures

Prevention

• Maintain Plantago lanceolata content at <10% in livestock pasture forage to ensure safe, beneficial use
• Remove excess plants from pet enclosures and overgrazed pastures to avoid accidental overconsumption
• Avoid feeding fresh ribwort plantain as a sole forage source for any livestock or companion animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination measures (induced vomiting, activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions per veterinary direction
• Provide symptomatic care including gastrointestinal protectants and fluid support to address digestive distress
• Monitor symptom progression and gastrointestinal function until full recovery of the affected animal

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePlantago lanceolata L.

AliasesEnglish plantain、Narrowleaf plantain

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Aucubin irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering localized inflammatory responses

• Aucubin reduces gastrointestinal motility, leading to inhibited digestion, diarrhea, and colic in severe overconsumption cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats (ruminant livestock): Up to 10% content in forage is nutritionally beneficial; excess consumption may lead to gastrointestinal inflammation, diarrhea, or colic

Small companion herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas): Small quantities are safe as part of a varied forage diet; overconsumption may cause loose stool or reduced digestive motility

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Plantago species Plantago spp.

Most other plantain species are visually similar to Plantago lanceolata; nearly all other Plantago species are also classified as low/weakly toxic with comparable active compound profiles

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Severe (highly cardiotoxic, may cause fatal arrhythmia even in small doses)

Common Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

Low (mild gastrointestinal irritant, no severe toxicity reported)

Heath Speedwell

Veronica officinalis

Low (may cause mild digestive distress if consumed in large quantities)

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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.