Is the green lily (Chlorophytum comosum) poisonous for children and animals?

The green lily (Latin: Chlorophytum comosum) belongs to the agave family and originally comes from South Africa. Since the middle of the 19th Century it is popular as a houseplant around the world. It is very easy to care for and with its long, two-tone leaves it is pretty to look at. That is why it is also called the Saxon Lily (based on the state colors) or, because it is often found in offices, the official grass or official palm. Because it is non-toxic, it makes a good houseplant in households with children and pets.

Toxicity

Which parts of the plant are poisonous?

In addition to the original wild form, there are numerous cultivated species. But neither in the original form nor in one of the cultivated forms there are poisonous components. However, the seeds contain so-called saponins. These are substances that a plant forms in order to protect itself against fungal attack. What effect they have on the human body has not yet been conclusively clarified. They can lower cholesterol, have antibiotics and raise blood pressure, but they can also irritate the gastric mucosa. However, indoor green lilies rarely develop seeds.

Toxins

What poisons does the green lily contain?

There are no known toxins in the plant. The above-mentioned saponins in the seeds are considered to be only slightly toxic and harmless to humans.

By the way:

Did you know that the green lily is a good natural filter for pollutants? As various studies, including those by the US space agency NASA, have shown, it can filter and break down chemicals such as benzene or cigarette smoke from indoor air. It is also able to improve the indoor climate. However, this also means that the pollutants filtered from the air are deposited in the leaves and make them less tolerable. Possible side effects that result from consuming large amounts of plant leaves can be exacerbated by these pollutant deposits.

Risks

When consumed

What are the risks for people, especially children / babies, if they are touched or swallowed?

Touching the plant and accidentally swallowing small parts of the plant have no negative effects on the health or well-being of children or adults. But even if the green lily is not poisonous, consuming large amounts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal complaints. These can be expressed - especially in children - in symptoms such as nausea and nausea.

Note: Basically, however, it should be noted that all people, and especially small children, react differently to certain substances. Therefore it can happen that some children complain of abdominal pain even when they consume smaller amounts of leaves than others.

For animals

What are the risks for animals? B. typical pets like cats, dogs, etc?

The long, downward-growing leaves and especially their offshoots attract some curious pets who like to nibble on them. In principle, the plant is also non-toxic for them, but the information on individual tolerance for animals must also be observed. Very sensitive or sick animals could experience health problems after consuming the leaves. This is especially true if the plant is in rooms where it filters many pollutants and therefore large amounts of toxic substances are deposited in its leaves.

Note: The green lily can have a hallucinogenic effect on cats, which occurs when the leaves are frequently chewed. As a result, the cat becomes drowsy and behaves as if it were in a twilight state. To prevent your cat from nibbling on the leaves, it is best to move the plant out of reach and hang it in a hanging basket, for example. And make sure your cat has healthy alternatives to nibble on, especially indoor cats. You should definitely set up cat grass for you, which your darling can enjoy without hesitation.

For birds

Birds also seem to like the long leaves of the green lily because they often peck at them. Occasional nibbling on the leaves is also harmless for you as long as the plant is not used as a pollutant filter in polluted rooms. However, sensitive animals can suffer liver damage if they consume large quantities of the green lily over a long period of time.

measures

How should one react when touched or consumed?

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent nausea or nausea. Tea or juice is recommended here. If very large amounts have been ingested, medically active charcoal in the form of powder or tablets can be helpful. If animals have eaten the plant and show conspicuous symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Sources:

http://www.gizbonn.de/139.0.html

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCnlilie

http://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Saponin

https://www.bildderfrau.de/familie-leben/haustiere/article206406647/Haustiere-und-giftige-Zimmerpflanzen.html