Content
- Is the vinegar tree poisonous? Toxic effect on humans and animals
- Ingredients and toxicity
- Toxicity to animals
- use
The fruits of the vinegar tree are edible
Is the vinegar tree poisonous? Toxic effect on humans and animals
Vinegar trees are still considered poisonous, although the fruits are suitable for consumption. However, the widespread ornamental plant differs in terms of their ingredients from other vinegar plants. A poison effect is shown only in rare cases.
Ingredients and toxicity
Vinegar trees evoke associations of poisoning that are unfounded. This confusion stems from the fact that other species of the genus of vinegar trees cause poisonous effects. The pouch contains urushols, which cause strong allergic reactions on contact with the skin.
No urushiols were detected in the vinegar tree. The plant parts of the vinegar trees contain tannins and ellagic acid as well as an acidic cell sap. Here the toxicity, which is classified as easy, is based on the tannins and the fruit acids. The dose makes the poison, because symptoms of intoxication due to the tannins occur only when consuming large quantities or over a long period of time. If it comes in contact with the milky sap, skin irritation may occur.
Possible consequences after consumption:
Toxicity to animals
In animals, the parts of the plant produce more intense signs of intoxication after consumption. Hamsters and guinea pigs have gastrointestinal problems, while horses' ingredients cause colic and diarrhea. Milk juice causes inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes in many animals.
use
The red fruit stalks of the vinegar tree are used to make refreshing lemonades, which are rich in vitamin C. They serve to produce vinegar, which led to the name vinegar tree. In Turkey, the dried seeds serve as a spice, which gives various foods a sourish taste.