Dracena(Dracaena) is a popular houseplant that can be found in homes, offices, schools and shopping centers. Its popularity is due to its attractive appearance and moderate cultivation requirements. However, few people realize thatdracaena is poisonousAlthough in order to get poisoned with it, you would have to eat dracaena leaves or have contact with the juice flowing from the damaged parts of the plant. We explainsymptoms of dracaena poisoning , as well as what to do whendracaena leaves are eaten by a child, dog or cat
Edged Dracaena - Dracaena marginata
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Poisonous properties of dracaena
Dracaena is on the list of poisonous plants . In Poland, marginal dracaena (Dracaena marginata) and fragrant dracaena (Dracaena fragrans) are most often grown.
The compounds that cause poisoning are present in the juice of dracaena saponinsThey are a type of sugar derivative called a glycoside with a characteristic frothy appearance and a characteristic bitter taste. They are most concentrated in the leaves and bark of the dracaena. They are produced by the plant to protect against pests and microorganisms.
The saponins currently in dracaena juice showantibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and protozoal properties. In small doses, they show a diuretic effect, enhance the processes of intestinal absorption and the secretion of gastric and intestinal juices and bile. They also lower cholesterol and enhance the digestion of fats. Therefore, they have healing properties.
However,in higher doses the substances contained in dracaena are toxicand irritate the mucous membranes. Taking higher doses of saponins may cause hemolysis of erythrocytes, lowering the level of total protein in the blood, and induce vomiting and diarrhea. Once in the bloodstream, saponins lower blood pressure. In addition, they cause inflammation of the mouth and throat, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, diarrhea, andin contact with the skin cause allergic reactions
Is dracaena poisonous to animals?
Toxic compounds found in dracaena can poison pets , especially cats and dogs that sometimes like to nibble on dracaena leaves.
Is dracaena poisonous to the cat?
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Dracaena poisoning symptoms in cats and dogsare very violent and last for 12-24 hours.Symptoms of dracaena poisoning in pets are dilated pupils, hypersalivation, lethargy, imbalance, loss of appetite, vomiting (often with blood), and diarrhea. Althoughdog or cat dracaena poisoningdoes not usually result in death for animals,a visit to the vet is necessaryto make sure that there is no dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Dracaena is also poisonous to rodents , i.e. guinea pigs, mice, rats, and also to rabbits. In guinea pigs and mice, the saponins present in dracaena juice cause almost complete loss of bowel movements. In rats, they cause spikes in blood pressure and slow down the heart rate.
Tominimize the risk of animals chewing on dracaena leaves , it should be placed in places that are difficult to reach for them. It is true that the bitter taste of dracaena leaves discourages animals from eating a large amount of them, but it is better not to risk it.
Is dracaena poisonous to humans?
Generally speaking,dracaena is safe for humansTouching a dracaena or even accidentally swallowing a piece of its leaf will probably not make you seriously ill. To cause serious poisoning, it would be necessary to eat a large chunk of dracaena.
However, as with many plants,contact of dracaena juice with sensitive skin can cause allergic reactions . That is why people prone to skin allergies should work with plants in protective gloves.
Symptoms of dracaena poisoning in childrendepend on the amount of saponins that entered the body along with the bitten leaves. Usually it is vomiting, sometimes problems with concentration and dilated pupils. If a child bites a dracaena leaf while playing, it is worth contacting the pediatrician for consultation on how to proceed in the event of the above-mentioned symptoms.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
