ABSTRACT
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action Several of the Crassulaceae (Kalanchoe, Cotyledon, Sempervivium, Tylecodon) are known to contain toxic bufadienolides with digitalis-like effects on the cardiovascular system.1-3 Their primary effect is to inhibit Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase, thereby decreasing the transportation of sodium and potassium across cell membranes which decreases cardiac function. Most cases of poisoning reported in animals have occurred in cattle, sheep, horses, birds, and dogs.3 Dogs have reportedly been poisoned by eating the meat from goats that have died from eating some of the Crassulaceae.3 All species of the family Crassulaceae should therefore be considered toxic until proven otherwise. Attempts at experimental intoxication of cats with jade plant was unsuccessful, indicating that this common plant may be of very low toxicity.4
