Oxytropis ochrocephala
Oxytropis ochrocephala
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 ochrocephala is an erect or sprawling, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a multi-headed caudex; it produces a tuft of stems 10 - 56cm tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is one of the most extensively used herbs in traditional Tibetan folk medicine[ 1552 Title Review of the Current Status of Study Oxytropis Publication Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research Vol 11, Issue 4, 2018 Author Amirkhanova A.Sh.; Ustenova G.O. Publisher Year 2018 ISBN 2455-3891 Description ].