Oxytropis falcata
Oxytropis falcata
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 falcata is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a tuft of growth from a multiheaded caudex; it can grow 3 - 35cm tall[ 1081 Title Medicinal Plants in Mongolia Publication Author Website http://www.who.in Publisher World Health Organisation; Western Pacific Region Year 2013 ISBN 987 92 9061 632 0 Description Information on medicinal plants from Mongolia ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. The range of Oxytropis falcata does not meet the thresholds for a threatened rating; it is known to occur in protected areas; and the population is believed to be stable at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].