Coming from southeastern Europe, the gold lacquer is a real feast for the eyes in local gardens - especially when it is in bloom. But can it be planted safely or is it poisonous?
Is gold lacquer poisonous?
The gold lacquer is a poisonous plant that contains cardiac glycosides such as cheirotoxin and cheiroside, especially in the seeds. Poisoning can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal pain and cardiac arrhythmias. Be careful when handling, possibly wear gardening gloves.
Cardiac glycosides poison the organism
The gold lacquer smells outrageously good and thus belies its toxic cardiac glycosides (cheirotoxin and cheiroside). These are contained throughout the entire plant and especially in the seeds. Poisoning by this plant is similar to poisoning by foxglove. The following symptoms of poisoning can occur after consumption:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Formerly a well-known medicinal plant
Although the entire plant is poisonous, it is medicinal in minute quantities. In the past it was used, among other things, against ulcers, for diseases of the spleen and liver, to promote childbirth and menstruation, to strengthen the heart and as a laxative.
Tip
When cutting the gold lacquer, you should wear gardening gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) as a precaution!