Rhubarb Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,720 found this helpful

All parts of rhubarb are toxic, with leaves containing the highest concentration of harmful oxalates and anthracene derivatives.

Ingestion of large quantities can lead to hypocalcemia, kidney damage, and fatal reactions in sensitive livestock like pigs and goats.

Small exposures typically cause mild gastrointestinal distress, while large doses require immediate medical or veterinary care.

FAQ

Is Rhubarb toxic to Humans?

Gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, heart arrhythmia, polyuria followed by anuria (kidney damage), incoordination, dyspnea, weakness, liver damage (Low)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested (Low)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Horses?

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, heart arrhythmia, polyuria followed by anuria (kidney damage), incoordination, dyspnea, weakness, liver damage

Cats

Low

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested

Dogs

Low

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested

Horses

Low

No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, incoordination, and potential organ damage if large quantities are ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, with the highest active compound concentration found in the leaves

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with concentrated leaf sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsCalcium oxalate crystals; Soluble oxalic acid and oxalate salts; Anthracene derivatives (rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion glycosides, dianthrones)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water immediately after ingestion
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional
• Avoid consuming any additional food or drinks until receiving medical guidance

Contact Vet Immediately

• Ingestion of more than 1 small piece of rhubarb leaf by pets or livestock
• Appearance of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, or difficulty breathing
• Confirmed ingestion of large quantities of any part of the rhubarb plant

Prevention

• Keep rhubarb leaves out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Only consume properly prepared rhubarb stalks, discard all leaves completely before cooking
• Never feed any part of rhubarb to pigs, goats, horses, or companion animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer decontamination procedures appropriate for the ingestion amount
• Provide symptomatic care including analgesics and antihistamines as needed
• Deliver calcium supplementation for cases of large dose ingestion to treat hypocalcemia

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRheum rhabarbarum L.

AliasesPie plant、Common rhubarb、Vegetable rhubarb、Curled rhubarb

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysLiverCardiovascular systemMusculoskeletal system

Mechanism of Action

• Oxalates bind to calcium in the body, causing hypocalcemia and formation of calcium oxalate crystals that damage kidney tissue

• Anthracene derivatives irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause cumulative damage to the liver and kidneys with high exposure

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Pigs: Fatal poisoning cases reported; symptoms include gastroenteritis, foaming at the mouth, incoordination, and convulsions

Goats: Fatal poisoning cases reported; symptoms include gastroenteritis, foaming at the mouth, incoordination, and convulsions

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other rhubarb species Other Rheum spp.

All other Rheum species have a similar visual appearance, are also low toxicity, and share a comparable toxin profile to common rhubarb.

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Related Toxic Plants

Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

Low toxicity

Common sorrel

Rumex acetosa

Low to moderate toxicity (high oxalate content)

Common buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

Low toxicity (photosensitization risk for livestock)

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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.