The buttercup, also known as the sharp buttercup, adorns numerous meadows in parks, forest edges and bushes in spring. It is also often found near water. It is considered poisonous, but why?

Children should not lick the poisonous buttercups!

Protoanemonin and ranunculin - toxic substances

Buttercups should not be eaten or picked. Despite their innocent outward appearance, buttercups are poisonous. They belong to the Ranunculus family of plants and contain one crucial toxin. It's called a protoanemonin. On top of that, buttercups contain the toxic substance ranunculin.

Typical poisoning symptoms

When consumed, protoanemonin has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, among others. It causes inflammation and, if consumed in certain amounts, leads to vomiting and diarrhea. The following symptoms of poisoning can also occur:

  • kidney inflammation
  • cramps
  • disorders of the nervous system
  • respiratory paralysis
  • Burning in the mouth and throat

Skin irritations are inevitable upon contact

Even skin contact can have a negative effect. The milky sap in the stems and leaves can cause irritation, redness and rashes - at least in sensitive people. Just walking barefoot across a meadow with buttercups can cause so-called meadow dermatitis (blistering on the skin, burning pain).

Also poisonous for animals

Buttercups are also poisonous to animals - in contrast to dandelions, which are sometimes referred to as buttercups and are non-toxic. But no cause for concern: grazing animals like horses, sheep, and cows don't usually eat buttercups because they instinctively know they're poisonous.

tips

Since the buttercup tastes unpleasantly sharp, poisoning with it is rather unlikely. By the way: When dried, buttercups are non-toxic because the toxic substances are transformed during drying.

Category:

Herbs