Animal Safety

Although the root of Astragalus membranaceus is considered non-toxic to humans and animals, the leaves, flowering parts, and stems of other species of astragalus (known as locoweed) are poisonous to grazing animals (such as cattle, sheep, and horses).^(3, 253)

These species include:

• A. alpinus⁽³⁾
• A. garbancillo⁽²⁵³⁾
• A. lentiginosus⁽²⁵⁴⁾
• A. lambertii⁽³⁾
• A. mollisimus⁽³⁾
• A. emoryamus⁽³⁾
• A. miser⁽³⁾
• A. pehuenches⁽²⁵⁵⁾

Symptoms of astragalus poisoning can include:^(253, 255)

• Weight loss
• Listlessness
• Unsteadiness