There are around 70 different mahonia species worldwide, and the specimens native to this region can grow up to one meter tall. They are evergreen plants with pinnate leaves on which globular, very acidic berries grow.
toxicity
How poisonous is mahonia?
Mahonia is generally considered to be slightly toxic, but different parts of the plant have a different effect. While the fruit causes vomiting and diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects when consumed, the bark and roots of the plant cause disturbances in consciousness.
As a rule, however, only small children are at risk, adults hardly or rarely react to the consumption of parts of plants. For pets, on the other hand, mahonia is poisonous and, in the worst case, can even have fatal effects. If a child consumes large amounts of the plant, more severe symptoms may occur that require medical attention.
toxic effect
When eating fruit, these include:
- nausea
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- sweats
- abdominal pain and colic
When eating the bark and root, the following symptoms may occur:
- dizziness
- a headache
- drowsiness
- limitations of consciousness
The symptoms do not have to appear, the danger increases simultaneously with the amount of plant parts consumed.
For animals
Toxicity of mahonia in animals
Mahonia is poisonous, especially for small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters. If parts of the plant are eaten, the small animal can suffer from significant symptoms. Gastrointernal disorders in particular usually occur, but consciousness can also become clouded. There is also a small risk of long-term kidney damage, but only if high doses are consumed.
toxin
Eating the root is more dangerous than eating the berries. It contains alkaloids that are also found in barberries. What can even have a healing effect on humans when used correctly is a harmful poison in the animal world.
consumption
What to do if parts of the plant were accidentally eaten?
Adults do not need to worry if small parts of a mahonia were accidentally eaten. Although the root in particular is slightly toxic, the amount consumed would have to be disproportionately large for dangerous symptoms of poisoning.
children
In the case of children, it is advisable to alert the medical emergency service, as the small organism is not yet able to break down the toxins well. When eating berries, help is limited to relieving symptoms. Diarrhea and nausea with vomiting are relieved with medication, and the poisoning is usually over after 48 hours.
If, on the other hand, a child has consumed large amounts of the plant root or parts of the bark, the body is detoxified under medical supervision. In the worst case, a gastric lavage may be necessary to get the harmful substances out of the body as quickly as possible. In any case, the administration of liquid is necessary.
animals
Animals usually suffer from worse symptoms of poisoning, with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters this can lead to death. Cats and dogs usually survive mahonia poisoning unscathed and suffer the same symptoms as a small child.
For the safety of the pet owner, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian and coordinate the further procedure with him. In cats and dogs, small amounts of mahonia usually do not cause any symptoms, while rodents can show severe symptoms of poisoning, including delirium.
edibility
Mahonia suitable for consumption?
The North American natives use mahonia as a medicinal plant. There are various areas of application, in particular disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as constipation are treated with the berries.
Berry
The tart berries are an easily digestible laxative when consumed in small amounts. Larger amounts lead to severe diarrhea. The fruits are either consumed raw or cooked beforehand. It is also possible to create jam. They can be dried for year-round use. Their high vitamin C content makes them a healthy change on the menu.
root
Tea can be brewed from the roots and bark of mahonia to counteract indigestion. The tea is also said to provide a stronger immune system and boost kidney function. Sore throats and throat discomfort can be relieved when the tea is used as a gargle. If a tincture is made from the root, it can be used against skin irritations and diseases of the upper skin layer. Above all, eczema should be mentioned here, which responds well to treatment with mahonia extract.
In North American medicine, mahonia is even said to have a tumor-fighting effect, but this has not been scientifically proven. Mahonia is also regularly used in homeopathy, but in infinitesimally small doses.
Sources:
http://www.gizbonn.de/184.0.html
https://www.botanikus.de/Beeren/Mahonie/mahonie.html
http://www.heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/mahonie.htm