PlantFunLesser celandine Toxic?
Toxic protoanemonin is formed from non-toxic ranunculin only when the plant is wilted or physically damaged.
Fully dried lesser celandine in forage is non-toxic, as protoanemonin converts to harmless anemonin.
Ingestion of large amounts or long-term intake may cause severe symptoms, including rare fatal cases from respiratory paralysis.
FAQ
Is Lesser celandine toxic to Humans?
No specific clinical data for humans is available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other symptoms similar to those observed in animals; seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur. (Low)
Is Lesser celandine toxic to Cats?
No specific toxicity data available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea; seek veterinary care if adverse symptoms appear. (Low)
Is Lesser celandine toxic to Dogs?
No specific toxicity data available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea; seek veterinary care if adverse symptoms appear. (Low)
Is Lesser celandine toxic to Horses?
Mild gastroenteritis in most cases. Ingestion of 2kg of the plant or intake over 3 weeks may cause blisters, erythema, swelling of mouth/lips with salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, hematuria, tremor, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory paralysis, and possible udder inflammation with discolored bitter milk. (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific clinical data for humans is available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other symptoms similar to those observed in animals; seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
No specific toxicity data available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea; seek veterinary care if adverse symptoms appear.
No specific toxicity data available. Ingestion may cause oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea; seek veterinary care if adverse symptoms appear.
Mild gastroenteritis in most cases. Ingestion of 2kg of the plant or intake over 3 weeks may cause blisters, erythema, swelling of mouth/lips with salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, hematuria, tremor, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory paralysis, and possible udder inflammation with discolored bitter milk.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining plant residues if ingested.
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional.
- • Move the exposed person/animal away from the plant source to avoid further exposure.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Excessive salivation, oral blistering, or swelling of lips/mouth appears after ingestion.
- • Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, or neurological symptoms (tremor, seizures, paralysis) occur.
- • Large quantity of the plant (≥2kg for horses) is ingested, or long-term exposure is confirmed.
Prevention
- • Prevent pets and livestock from grazing in areas with dense growth of lesser celandine.
- • Ensure forage is fully dried before feeding to livestock, as dried plant material is non-toxic.
- • Avoid damaging the plant during handling to prevent release of irritant protoanemonin.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform appropriate decontamination measures based on the exposed species.
- • Administer mucosal protective agents to relieve oral and gastrointestinal irritation.
- • Provide symptomatic and supportive care; antihistamines may be used if clinically indicated.
Professional Toxicology
• Non-toxic ranunculin present in intact plant tissues is converted to toxic protoanemonin via enzymatic cleavage when the plant is wilted or physically damaged.
• Protoanemonin is unstable and easily dimerizes into non-toxic anemonin, making fully dried plant material non-toxic.
• Toxic protoanemonin irritates mucosal membranes, and high doses cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs.
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.