Echium Plantagineum - Toxicity

Toxicity

Echium plantagineum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is poisonous. When eaten in large quantities, it cause reduced livestock weight or even (in severe cases) death. Paterson's Curse can kill horses and irritate the udders of dairy cows and the skin of humans. After the 2003 Canberra bushfires over 40 recorded horses were put down after eating the weed. Because the pyrrolizidine alkaloids can also be found in the nectar of Paterson's curse the honey made from it should be blended with other honey to avoid the toxins entering the human food chain in high concentrations. The alkaloid levels in one teaspoon of salvation jane honey are generally above the EU recommended weekly maximum human consumption for these chemicals.