White swallow-wort Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 3,503 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, with roots holding the highest concentration of seco-pregnane glycosides and indolizine alkaloids

Ingestion causes stiff gait, tremors, seizures, partial paralysis, and bloody diarrhea in affected animals

No specific antidote exists, treatment relies on prompt decontamination and supportive symptomatic care

FAQ

Is White swallow-wort toxic to Humans?

Limited human exposure data available, but ingestion is expected to trigger similar neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as observed in animals (Moderate)

Is White swallow-wort toxic to Cats?

Confirmed case: moribund state after chewing dry leaves, tachypnea, hypotension, bradycardia, bloody diarrhea, mild anemia, elevated liver/kidney values, hyperglycemia (Moderate)

Is White swallow-wort toxic to Dogs?

No specific published case data, but ingestion is expected to cause tremors, seizures, partial paralysis, and bloody diarrhea (Moderate)

Is White swallow-wort toxic to Horses?

No specific published case data, but ingestion is expected to cause stiff gait, tremors, central seizures, and partial paralysis (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Limited human exposure data available, but ingestion is expected to trigger similar neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as observed in animals

Cats

Moderate

Confirmed case: moribund state after chewing dry leaves, tachypnea, hypotension, bradycardia, bloody diarrhea, mild anemia, elevated liver/kidney values, hyperglycemia

Dogs

Moderate

No specific published case data, but ingestion is expected to cause tremors, seizures, partial paralysis, and bloody diarrhea

Horses

Moderate

No specific published case data, but ingestion is expected to cause stiff gait, tremors, central seizures, and partial paralysis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, with the highest toxin concentration in the roots

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure is ingestion of any part of the fresh or dried plant

Toxic CompoundsSeco-pregnane glycosides (15-oxasteroid glycosides); Vincetoxin glycoside mixture (asclepiadin, cynanchin, asclepion); Hirundigenin, anhydrohirundigenin, vincetoxigenin (aglyca); Hirundoside A; D-cymarose, D-digitoxose, L-diginose, D-oleandrose, D-boivinose, D-tevetose (monosaccharide components); Dibenzopyrroloisoquinoline-type indolizine alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately, prevent further ingestion
• Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a veterinarian, if ingestion occurred <2 hours prior and the animal is conscious and not seizing
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for formal identification to guide targeted treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of white swallow-wort, even if no symptoms are visible yet
• The animal develops tremors, seizures, unusual stiff gait, bloody diarrhea, or lethargy after potential plant exposure
• The animal is unresponsive, has difficulty breathing, or an abnormally slow heart rate after exposure

Prevention

• Remove all white swallow-wort plants from areas accessible to pets, livestock, and young children
• Avoid feeding hay or forage contaminated with this plant to horses or other grazing livestock
• Train pet owners to identify this plant to prevent accidental exposure during walks or outdoor activities

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal) as appropriate for the time since ingestion
• Provide supportive care: intravenous fluids to support kidney function, anti-seizure medication for neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal protectants for bleeding
• Monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) and liver/kidney function for 24-48 hours post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameVincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik.

AliasesVincetoxicum officinale Moench、Cynanchum vincetoxicum (L.) Pers.、Schwalbenwurz (German)、Dompte-venin officinal (French)、Vincetossico comune (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Central nervous systemGastrointestinal tractLiverKidneysCardiovascular system

Mechanism of Action

• Seco-pregnane glycosides disrupt cellular function in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, causing neurological impairment and tissue damage

• Indolizine alkaloids contribute to central nervous system irritation, seizure activity, and cardiovascular dysfunction

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cat: Confirmed severe toxicity case: 10-year-old castrated male cat developed life-threatening symptoms after chewing dry leaves of the plant

Dog: Suspected moderate toxicity, with high risk of neurological and gastrointestinal harm if the plant is ingested

Horse: Suspected moderate toxicity, with high risk of neurological impairment and paralysis if large amounts of the plant are ingested

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other milkweed species Asclepias spp.

Both belong to the Apocynaceae family and share similar leaf and flower morphology; most Asclepias species are also toxic, containing related glycoside toxins

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Related Toxic Plants

Common oleander

Nerium oleander

Severe toxicity

Hemp dogbane

Apocynum cannabinum

High toxicity

Common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Moderate toxicity

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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.