If you have a pet, you might be wondering if Mediterranean thistle is poisonous to them. The answer is yes, Mediterranean thistle is a potentially toxic plant and is poisonous to dogs and cats. The toxin in Mediterranean thistle is Atractyligenin, which is an AChE inhibitor that increases ACh levels and blocks oxidative phosphorylation, leading to paralysis. If you have pet food in your home containing Mediterranean thistle, there is no need to worry. However, if you have a pet that has consumed Mediterranean thistle, please get medical help right away.
What is Mediterranean thistle?
Mediterranean thistle (Chamaeleon gummifer) is a plant in the Asteraceae family. The common names of this species of thistle are chamæleon, Mediterranean thistle, dwarf thistle, kikuyu, kuneo, kuniwa, and sunn hemp. This thistle grows to 70 cm in height, has white flowers, and prefers damp environments in shady places in the Mediterranean region.