Tag: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Over 70 species of *Myosotis*, or true forget-me-nots, exist worldwide, with some being used as a decorative garnish for food. Before adding these delicate flowers to your dish, it is crucial to understand the risks, as some species and look-alikes contain hepatotoxic compounds. This guide provides comprehensive information on which varieties may be safe to consume and which you should avoid.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), comfrey is likely unsafe when taken by mouth, prompting a market removal of oral products containing this herb due to serious safety concerns. Therefore, understanding the health risks behind the question, "Can comfrey be eaten raw?", is essential for anyone considering its use.

While Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) can contain a crude protein content ranging from 15% to nearly 30% on a dry matter basis, its significant nutritional value is reserved exclusively for animal feed, as the plant is highly toxic to humans. This plant's impressive nutrient profile is overshadowed by severe health risks associated with its consumption.

Over 6,000 different plant species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds known to be toxic to humans and animals. Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) is a hybrid plant that contains some of the highest concentrations of these dangerous alkaloids, particularly echimidine, which is especially concerning. While it was once used internally in traditional medicine, modern science and health authorities now strongly advise against eating it due to the severe risk of liver damage and other serious health problems.

While marsh ragwort is a native and valuable component of wetland ecosystems, providing food for many insects, it is toxic to both livestock and humans. All parts of the plant contain harmful compounds that can lead to irreversible liver damage if ingested, making it emphatically inedible.

The ageratum flower, commonly known as floss flower, is not edible and is toxic. These plants contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, harmful compounds that can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Many species within the *Crotalaria* genus contain potent pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause irreversible liver damage in humans and livestock. Due to this widespread toxicity, the general answer to “Can you eat Crotalaria?” is a firm and absolute no, with limited, highly specific exceptions.

While borage is known for its beneficial gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the plant itself contains toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can damage the liver. This has led to concerns about whether borage is toxic to the liver and how to use products safely.

Over 6,000 plant species worldwide are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), a group of natural toxins produced as a chemical defense. The presence of PAs has raised health concerns due to their hepatotoxicity and potential for chronic liver damage in humans and livestock. These toxic compounds can inadvertently enter the food chain through contaminated crops or be consumed intentionally through herbal products.

According to numerous health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), internal use of comfrey is likely unsafe due to the presence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Therefore, the direct and urgent answer to 'can you eat wild comfrey?' is an emphatic no, as all species contain these harmful compounds that can cause irreversible liver damage and liver failure.