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Marsh Marigold
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bradycardia, burning sensation, convulsions, diarrhea, dizziness, edema, enterocolitis, fainting, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, heart problems, hypotension, inflamed stomach, metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure, paresthesia, shock, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: Mild symptoms resolve immediately (4 - 5 hours). Severe symptoms may last for several days.
Rate of Poison: ~ 3 hours.
Causes Death: Yes
Treatment: Activated charcoal, infusion of dopamine, vasopressor infusion.
This plant can be mistaken for an edible plant called Fischer's Ligularia. If this plant is not cooked properly, typical symptoms may include stomach problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms may disappear within hours. However, more severe symptoms may occur as well, which could eventually disappear within days (with treatment) or end up in multiple organ failure.
Photo: David Whelan - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
Molecular structure of protoanemonin (ChemDraw)
Protoanemonin
Protoanemonin
Protoanemonin is an unsaturated lactone responsible for the pleasant aroma in fruits. However, it can also cause dermatitis and other skin conditions when someone comes into contact with the toxin. The formation of protoanemonin occurs when the plant is freshly damaged. This compound has dual effects: it may inhibit DNA polymerase (which is responsible for DNA repair) while simultaneously increasing oxygen free radicals. These free radicals are reactive and damaging to skin components, including DNA, resulting in various skin conditions.
Additionally, protoanemonin is a yellow oil that forms from the ranunculin glycoside via hydrolysis. When a water molecule breaks down ranunculin, it produces protoanemonin. This compound has further consequences: it alkylates proteins and DNA. As a result, it causes irritation of the mucus membranes, leading to inflammation in the stomach. Common symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. The same mechanism can also lead to kidney problems.
Level of Toxin: 2% (fresh plant)
Impacting Dosage: Leaves, 0.1% weight. ~0.26 μg/g wet wt.
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Berberine*
Berberine*
Berberine causes DNA damage in liver cells by suppressing the activities of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II. DNA damage was directly associated with the inhibition of topoisomerase II. Topoisomerases alter the topological state of DNA. Topoisomerase I cleaves a single strand of DNA while topoisomerase II cleaves both strands of DNA. The inhibition of this process will result in genotoxicity and tumorigencity, which will cause problems with cellular functioning. If the DNA is not repaired, carcinogenicity will result.
Berberine modulates the G1 and G2/M checkpoint responses, causing an arrest in the cell cycle. Increase in berberine concentrations cause a decrease in cell production in the S-phase of the cell cycle while increasing cells in the G1 phase and the G2/M phase indicating the blockage of the cell cycle production and causing cells to cease at the G1 and G2/M checkpoints.
On the other hand, berberine can kill bacteria that causes diarrhea and protozoans that may result in cholera, dysentery, or giardiasis. Berberine interacts with the mucous membranes, especially ones that align the gastrointestinal tract.
In other words: Berberine harms liver cells by blocking activities of certain enzymes called topoisomerases. These enzymes help maintain the shape of DNA by altering the twists and turns of DNA. When berberine decreases the enzyme activity, the DNA structure is disrupted, resulting damage to genetic material and possibly causing tumors to form. It also alters the cell cycle, which is responsible for natural cell growth and division. However, berberine disrupts the cell cycle by stopping cells at crucial checkpoints, resulting in a halt in cell progression.
One benefit to berberine is that it is known to kill harmful bacteria that causes stomach issues by interacting with the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Level of Toxin: Not known
Impacting Dosage: 500 µM (0.68% bioavailability)
*For references, see Goldenseal
Magnoflorine*
Magnoflorine*
Magnoflorine has been known to cause lower blood pressure, and could potentially contribute to a decrease in heart rate as well.
However, magnoflorine is used for many claimed medicinal uses, such as reduction of inflammation. It has antioxidant and anxiolytic properties. It also has the ability to protect high-density lipoproteins (HDL) which is a healthier form of cholesterol. It is able to exhibit cytotoxicity against a brain tumour cell line (U251) and a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
In other words: Magnoflorine can lower blood pressure and possibly slow down the heart rate.
However, it can be used for various medical purposes, such as reducing inflammation. It has antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties, protects healthy cholesterol (HDL), and can kill certain cancerous cells, such as those in the brain and the heart.
Ranunculin
Ranunculin
While it is the primary starting toxin, ranunculin, a glycoside, is hydrolyzed into protoanemonin, the chemical responsible for the gastrointestinal irritation. Ranunculin is also responsible for causing irritation on the skin.
Level of Toxin: Not known
Impacting Dosage: Not known
Triterpenoid Saponin
Triterpenoid Saponin
Triterpenoid saponins are responsible (with protoanemonin) for causing stomach irritation, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. It has also been mentioned that these saponins could also be responsible for slowing heart rates and lowering blood pressures.
Level of Toxin: Not known
Impacting Dosage: Not known
1,5 - dimetilbenzakridin
Androstenediol Diacetate
Docosane
Fumaric acid, 2-decyl tridecyl ester
Hexadecane
L-Valine, N-Penta-fluoropropionyl-Heptyl Ester
Octadecyl Chloride
Pyridine-3-Carboxamide
Veratrin
5,10- dimetilbenzakridin
Bitterance
Ethyl Linoleate
Geranyl Acetone
Icosane
Nonadecane
Oleic Acid
Scopoletin
24-nor-3β-hydroxylupan-13β,28-lactone
D-Limonen
Ethyl Palminate
Helleborin
Isopropyl Linoleate
Nordekstrometorfan (2-metosimorfinan)
Petroselinic Acid
Tricosane
Androst-5-en-3-one
Deoxyestradiol
Ethyl Sterate
Heneycosan
Jervine
Octacosane
Phytol
Umbelliferone
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: All parts
Contact Hazard: Leaves will cause skin to blister.
Animals Affected: Cattle, horses, sheep
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Leaves, roots.
Properties: Anodyne, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, pectoral.
Components: Protoanemonin
Antidote: Snake venom
Preparation: Decoction, poultice
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Childbirth: Roots used to aid in childbirth.
Cold: Root
Constipation: Tea made from leaves.
Induce Vomiting: Root
Rheumatic Pain: Leaves made into a poultice.
Sores: Root
Warts: Caustic juice.
Location
Location
Appalachian: Plant used as antidote for snake venom.
North America: Roots were used for numerous purposes; childbirth, colds, sores, and induce vomiting.
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Bronchitis
Constipation: Leaves
Cramps
Dropsy: Decoction of plant.
Gonorrhea: Leaves and roots.
High Cholesterol
Jaundice
Liver Disorders
Low Blood Sugar
Menstrual Disorders
Rheumatic Pain: Leaves and roots.
Urinary Infections: Decoction of plant.
Location
Location
Unknown
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Buds, leaves
Nutrients:
Minerals: Calcium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenyum, Phosphorous, Selenium, Sulfur, Zinc
Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin D2, Vitamin E
Taste: Bitter
WARNING: !Never consume raw! Plant must be thoroughly cooked/boiled in water for toxins to be eliminated.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Greens: Young leaves boiled and consumed like spinach.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Capers: Buds soaked in salt water and vinegar, do not drink the juice.
Greens: Young leaves.
Potherbs: Leaves cooked in water twice - three times.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Marsh Marigold, no illustrator mentioned.
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Genus: Caltha
Other Names: Bouton d'Or, Bull's Eyes, Caléndula Acuática, Calta Palustre, Cowflock, Cowslip, Horse Blobs, May-Blob, Kingcups, Leopard's Foot, Meadow Routs, Palsy Root, Palsywort, Popylage, Water Blobs, Water Dragon, Yellow Marsh Marigold
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Bloom Colours: Yellow
Bloom Time: April - August
Type: Perennial
Height: 6 in. - 30 in.
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Habitat: Ditches, fens, marshes, shallow water, swamps, wet meadows.
Origin: North America
States: CA, CT, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI
Provinces: All of Canada.
Related Species
Related Species
Caltha chinophila
(Kingcup)
Photo: Patrick Alexander - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Caltha leptosepala
(Elkslip)
Photo: Dom Paulo - Flickr
License: Public Domain
Other Species
Other Species
Caltha dysosmoides
Caltha scaposa
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
Bruni, A., Bonora, A., & Dall'Olio, G. (1986). Protoanemonin detection in Caltha palustris. Journal of Natural Products, 49(6), 1172-1173. From https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/np50048a058?casa_token=o2QLcaNocCEAAAAA:bBVsbSRA21Vc4r9HAdCmyRHTMXaO3MDd1cHRQIkcUnnGa8mRDkx7t3UB7q8m9Vj3LtH1QcXwDk-TDvq3
Johnson, D., Kershaw, L., MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J. (2017). Plants of the Western Forest: Alberta, Saskatechewan & Manitoba Boreal and Aspen Parkland. Partners Publishing and Lone Pine Media Productions. (pp. 121).
Karpiuk, V., Konechna, R., Konechnyi, Y., Pawel, W. P., Izabela, J. M., Zhurakhivska, L., & Bolibrukh, L. (2023). The study of the composition of chloroform fraction of Caltha palustris. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(3), 1254-1258. From https://www.proquest.com/docview/2831825402?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true
Lee, K. T., & Sung, W. Y. (2021). Multiple organ failure leading to death after ingestion of Caltha palustris: A case report. Medicine, 100(46). From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8601353/
Lower, R. (2020). Marsh Marigold - Caltha Palustris: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Early Greens of Wild Plants. Song of the Woods. From https://www.songofthewoods.com/marsh-marigold-caltha-palustris/
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 86-88).
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Caltha palustris. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/caltha-palustris/
Ok, T. G., Park, C. W., Cho, J. H., Cheon, S. W., Lee, S. Y., Kim, S. E., ... & Kim, Y. H. (2005). The Clinical Aspects of Wild Plant Poisoning. Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology, 3(2), 79-85. From https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200514222997408.pdf
Plumlee, K. H. (2004). Plants. Clinical Veterinary Toxicology. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/protoanemonin
Rx List. (n.d.). Marsh Marigold. From https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/marsh_marigold.htm
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. (n.d.). Caltha palustris (marsh marigold). From https://www.monticello.org/sites/library/exhibits/lucymarks/gallery/marshmarigold.html
Trull, S. (n.d.). Yellow Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris L.). U.S. Forest Service. From https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/caltha_palustris.shtml
Wink, M. (2009). Mode of action and toxicology of plant toxins and poisonous plants. Mitt. Julius Kühn-Inst, 421, 93-112. https://d-nb.info/1250680875/34#page=97
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
Coon, N. (1979). Using Plants for Healing. Rodale Press. (pp. 214).
Johnson, D., Kershaw, L., MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J. (2017). Plants of the Western Forest: Alberta, Saskatechewan & Manitoba Boreal and Aspen Parkland. Partners Publishing and Lone Pine Media Productions. (pp. 121).
Karpiuk, V., Konechna, R., Konechnyi, Y., Pawel, W. P., Izabela, J. M., Zhurakhivska, L., & Bolibrukh, L. (2023). The study of the composition of chloroform fraction of Caltha palustris. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(3), 1254-1258. From https://www.proquest.com/docview/2831825402?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true
Kumar, P., & Singhal, V. K. (2008). Cytology of Caltha palustris L.(Ranunculaceae) from cold regions of Western Himalayas. Cytologia, 73(2), 137-143. From https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cytologia/73/2/73_2_137/_pdf
Lower, R. (2020). Marsh Marigold - Caltha Palustris: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Early Greens of Wild Plants. Song of the Woods. From https://www.songofthewoods.com/marsh-marigold-caltha-palustris/
Rx List. (n.d.). Marsh Marigold. From https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/marsh_marigold.htm
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. (n.d.). Caltha palustris (marsh marigold). From https://www.monticello.org/sites/library/exhibits/lucymarks/gallery/marshmarigold.html
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Bates, C. (n.d.). Everything You Need To Know About Planting Marsh Marigold: A Guide for Gardening Enthusiasts. Green Packs. From https://greenpacks.org/marsh-marigold/
Edible Wild Food. (n.d.). Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris. From https://www.ediblewildfood.com/marsh-marigold.aspx
Johnson, D., Kershaw, L., MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J. (2017). Plants of the Western Forest: Alberta, Saskatechewan & Manitoba Boreal and Aspen Parkland. Partners Publishing and Lone Pine Media Productions. (pp. 121).
Karpiuk, V., Konechna, R., Konechnyi, Y., Pawel, W. P., Izabela, J. M., Zhurakhivska, L., & Bolibrukh, L. (2023). The study of the composition of chloroform fraction of Caltha palustris. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(3), 1254-1258. From https://www.proquest.com/docview/2831825402?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true
Lower, R. (2020). Marsh Marigold - Caltha Palustris: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Early Greens of Wild Plants. Song of the Woods. From https://www.songofthewoods.com/marsh-marigold-caltha-palustris/
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 86-88).
Reid, A. (2007). Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps. The Westborough News. From https://westboroughlandtrust.org/nn/nn73
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. (n.d.). Caltha palustris (marsh marigold). From https://www.monticello.org/sites/library/exhibits/lucymarks/gallery/marshmarigold.html
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
Johnson, D., Kershaw, L., MacKinnon, A., Pojar, J. (2017). Plants of the Western Forest: Alberta, Saskatechewan & Manitoba Boreal and Aspen Parkland. Partners Publishing and Lone Pine Media Productions. (pp. 121).
Lee, K. T., & Sung, W. Y. (2021). Multiple organ failure leading to death after ingestion of Caltha palustris: A case report. Medicine, 100(46). From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8601353/
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. (pp. 86-88).
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Caltha palustris. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/caltha-palustris/
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 23)
Trull, S. (n.d.). Yellow Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris L.). U.S. Forest Service. From https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/caltha_palustris.shtml
Date of page creation: November 19, 2023
Updated page: May 9, 2024
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