PlantFunShrubby plantain Toxic?
All parts of the plant are slightly toxic, containing low concentrations of the iridoid glycoside aucubin
Aucubin loses toxic activity in hay, and up to 10% content of related Plantago lanceolata in forage is considered nutritionally valuable
Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal inflammation, inhibited digestion, diarrhea and colic in exposed animals
FAQ
Is Shrubby plantain toxic to Humans?
No species-specific human toxicity data is recorded; large ingestions may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain and diarrhea (Low)
Is Shrubby plantain toxic to Cats?
No cat-specific toxicity data is available; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and abdominal pain (Low)
Is Shrubby plantain toxic to Dogs?
No dog-specific toxicity data is available; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and abdominal pain (Low)
Is Shrubby plantain toxic to Horses?
No horse-specific toxicity data is available; large ingestions may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea and colic (Low)
Toxicity Details
No species-specific human toxicity data is recorded; large ingestions may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain and diarrhea
No cat-specific toxicity data is available; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and abdominal pain
No dog-specific toxicity data is available; ingestion may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and abdominal pain
No horse-specific toxicity data is available; large ingestions may potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea and colic
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual, pet or livestock immediately
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove residual plant matter
- • Monitor for early signs of discomfort including abdominal pain, restlessness or loose stools
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If the exposed animal shows persistent diarrhea, signs of colic or digestive distress lasting more than 2 hours
- • If a large quantity of the plant was ingested by a small child, small pet or grazing livestock
- • If the exposed individual shows signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain or prolonged lethargy
Prevention
- • Restrict access of pets and grazing livestock to areas with heavy growth of this plant
- • Inspect hay and forage supplies to ensure toxic Plantago species content remains below risk thresholds
- • Educate forage handlers and pet owners to recognize shrubby plantain to avoid accidental exposure
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal) for recent large ingestions as directed by a medical or veterinary professional
- • Provide symptomatic care including fluid therapy for dehydration and anti-spasmodic medication to relieve colic and diarrhea
- • Monitor gastrointestinal function and vital signs until all symptoms resolve completely
Professional Toxicology
• Aucubin, the primary active compound, triggers inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibits normal digestive function, and causes irritation-related symptoms including diarrhea and colic
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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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.