PlantFunCreeping buttercup Toxic?
Toxicity is triggered when the plant is wilted or damaged, as non-toxic ranunculin breaks down into the irritant toxic compound protoanemonin.
Dried plants and silage stored for over 2 months are non-toxic, as protoanemonin dimerizes into harmless anemonin during storage.
Ingesting large quantities or long-term consumption can cause severe neurological symptoms, and even fatal respiratory paralysis in rare cases.
FAQ
Is Creeping buttercup toxic to Humans?
No explicit human symptom data recorded, but oral ingestion may cause oral irritation, blisters, gastrointestinal discomfort, and possible allergic reactions. (Low)
Is Creeping buttercup toxic to Cats?
No specific cat symptom data available, may cause oral swelling, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness after ingestion. (Low)
Is Creeping buttercup toxic to Dogs?
No specific dog symptom data available, may cause oral blisters, gastrointestinal irritation, tremors and hematuria if consumed in large amounts. (Low)
Is Creeping buttercup toxic to Horses?
Mild gastroenteritis for small intake; ingesting 2kg fresh plant or consuming for 3 weeks leads to mouth/lip blisters, erythema, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, weakness, hematuria, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory paralysis. (High)
Toxicity Details
No explicit human symptom data recorded, but oral ingestion may cause oral irritation, blisters, gastrointestinal discomfort, and possible allergic reactions.
No specific cat symptom data available, may cause oral swelling, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness after ingestion.
No specific dog symptom data available, may cause oral blisters, gastrointestinal irritation, tremors and hematuria if consumed in large amounts.
Mild gastroenteritis for small intake; ingesting 2kg fresh plant or consuming for 3 weeks leads to mouth/lip blisters, erythema, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, weakness, hematuria, tremors, seizures, paralysis, rare death from respiratory paralysis.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Stop ingestion immediately, rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water to remove residual plant matter.
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional.
- • Collect remaining plant samples for accurate identification to guide follow-up treatment.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of large amount of fresh creeping buttercup, or appearance of blisters, excessive salivation, vomiting or diarrhea.
- • Neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures or paralysis occur after ingestion.
- • Lactating animals produce abnormally reddish or bitter-tasting milk after exposure.
Prevention
- • Avoid grazing livestock in areas with dense growth of creeping buttercup.
- • Ensure silage is stored for at least 2 months before feeding to eliminate residual toxicity.
- • Keep fresh creeping buttercup plants out of reach of companion pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Implement standard decontamination procedures per emergency treatment protocols.
- • Administer mucosal protective agents to reduce irritation to the digestive tract.
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care, antihistamines may be used if required for allergic reactions.
Professional Toxicology
• Non-toxic ranunculin naturally present in the plant is enzymatically split into toxic protoanemonin when the plant is wilted or physically damaged.
• Unstable protoanemonin easily dimerizes into non-toxic anemonin during drying or long-term ensiling, eliminating the plant's toxicity.
• Protoanemonin irritates skin, mucous membranes and the digestive tract, and can damage the nervous system and kidneys when absorbed in large doses.
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.