Is the privet hedge / are privet berries poisonous? Information on dangers

Privet hedges are one of the most popular ornamental shrubs in our latitudes. The robust plants are dense and grow stately in height. Because they stay green longer in the winter months, they are popular for planting in parks and public areas. Privet hedges are also very often found in home gardens. The plant from the olive family is not only attractive because of its lush green. The large, fragrant, cream-colored to white flowers and the black berries that grow in clusters are attractive. However, it is Privet hedge poisonous.

Toxicity

Poisonous parts of the plant

Almost all components of the privet hedge are toxic. Smaller doses of traces of the toxins can be found in the bark and leaves. The highest concentration of poison, however, is contained in the berries of the privet hedge. The effect is mild to moderate and rarely leads to severe to fatal poisoning in humans.

Note: Especially for children, however, the poison concentrated in the berries can have a critical effect even in small doses. Even the consumption of just a few berries leads to strong reactions in young children. Larger amounts even cause fatal poisoning.

Berry

Due to their deep black color, the berries of the privet hedge are attractive to young children. Even if they don't eat the fruit, the danger is not over. Because while playing, children easily crush the ripe privet berries. If you then bring your hands to your mouth, the amount of juice left on the fruit can have a slightly poisonous effect.

Toxins

The berries of the privet hedge contain ligustron and syringin. Both substances belong to the class of bitter substances and have a stimulating effect on the circulatory system. Ligustron and syringin are also found in the other parts of the plant. There are also traces of glycosides in the leaves of the plant. However, the amount of these substances is not sufficient to cause severe symptoms of intoxication.

Important: Glycosides are among the sugar compounds. The leaves of the hedge can therefore develop a slightly sweet taste. Under certain circumstances, this encourages children to “taste” the berries of the bush.

Toxin absorption

This is how the poison gets into the body

Touching parts of the privet hedge is completely safe for adults and children as well as for dogs and cats. The concentration of ligustron and syringin as well as glycoside in the bark and leaves is too low to be toxic. If parts of the privet hedge, such as the leaves, are eaten, it only becomes toxic in large quantities. Even in the foliage, the toxins are contained in such small doses that there is a risk of poisoning. However, moderate to severe symptoms of poisoning occur when consuming the berries. Privet berries are toxic to both humans and animals.

Critical dose

adult

Eating less than ten berries is safe for adults. Slight symptoms of poisoning occur when between ten and twenty berries are eaten. Stronger symptoms of intoxication manifest themselves in healthy adults with more than twenty berries.

children

For children it can be assumed that more than five berries can have a critical effect. Therefore there is no tolerance range here. Children should be strictly forbidden from picking privet berries.

Poisonous effect

Symptoms that occur

Ligustron and Syringin take effect immediately after consumption. They have a very stimulating effect and stimulate the circulation. In high concentrations, both toxins literally boost the circulation of humans and animals. The heart races, which in the worst case can develop into cardiac arrhythmias. Even if the poison of privet berries is rarely fatal, consuming the berries is dangerous for people with damage to the cardiovascular system.

Symptoms of mild to moderate privet poisoning include:

• headache
• Vomit
• Discomfort in the stomach and intestines

Critical symptoms are:

• greatly dilated pupils
• shortness of breath
• severe dizziness
• Racing heart

First aid

Nausea and vomiting are already signs of mild poisoning. If you only eat a few berries, giving them a larger amount of liquid helps. This weakens the concentration of the poison in the body.

Important tips: Only give the person concerned to drink still water. Under no circumstances should you give the "home remedy" milk.

Reason:

• The fat contained in milk also makes it easier for the intestines to absorb poison

Never induce vomiting on your own. This is especially dangerous for children. You lose a lot of fluids as a result. In addition, vomit can quickly get into the windpipe and lungs and cause suffocation. Regardless of the severity of the poisoning, you should call a doctor or go to the hospital emergency room. Severe poisoning leads to shortness of breath and unconsciousness and can be life-threatening. Cardiac and circulatory disorders, unconsciousness and respiratory failure require immediate life-saving measures such as chest compressions and ventilation.

Risks to animals

Risks to cats and dogs

Eating privet berries is far more dangerous for cats and dogs than it is for humans. The substances contained have a highly toxic and therefore deadly effect on them, even in small doses. Cats that eat more than five berries can die from it. Even in dogs, this amount can cause severe poisoning. Dogs have reached the critical amount from ten berries.

Horses, pigs and birds

Did you know that even larger animals such as horses or pigs can die from the venom of the privet berries? Even birds are not immune to the deadly effects of the berries.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning in and cat are:

• Dilatation of the pupils
• Shortness of breath
• Increase in body temperature
• dizziness
• Salivation
• Vomit

The deadly effect in animals occurs increased circulatory activity and disturbances in the heart rhythm. This effect builds up over hours and can occur as a complication even after poisoning that is initially perceived as mild. It is therefore advisable to consult the vet even if the course is initially mild.