Oxytropis campanulata
Oxytropis campanulata
Safety & Hazards
We have no information for this species, but several members of this genus are known to be potentially toxic, particularly to grazing animals. Some members of the genus are known to contain the indolizidine alkaloid 'swainsonine'. Chronic intoxication with this alkaloid causes a variety of neurological disorders in grazing animals along with reduced appetite which can lead to weight loss and cessation of reproductive ability. Swainsonine has also been found to have potential for use in anti-cancer drug treatments. In some species, other alkaloids are suspected of causing toxicity. In addition, some members of the genus have been reported to accumulate selenium - although this is an essential trace element it can be toxic in higher doses. Signs and symptoms of selenium toxicity include a garlic odour on the breath, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, sloughing of nails, fatigue, irritability, and neurological damage - in extreme cases it can result in death.
Botanical Description
Oxytropis campanulata is a stemless, herbaceous perennial plant producing a tuft of growth from a thick, branching caudex; it can grow 15 - 30cm tall, occasionally reaching 40cm[ 74 Title Flora of the USSR. Publication Author Komarov. V. L. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Israel Program for Scientific Translation Year 1968 ISBN - Description An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.