Poisonous Locust Tree Seeds

• Cattle and horses are more commonly exposed to the poisonous effects of Locust trees when they graze. RK Studio/Kevin Lanthier/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Locust trees feature feathery alternate leaves and long spines with furry pods. Locust trees are often referred to as false Acacia, which is also a leguminous plant. Several of the legume-producing trees carry robin, which is a phylotoxin. All species of locust have some toxicity, but the black locust seems to be the tree that is of most concern with horses and cattle. Poisoning occurs primarily in animals but also in children who eat the pods and seeds.

Robin and Phasin

• Robinia is the family name for the locusts, and robin is the name of the phytotoxin the plant produces to protect itself from predators. The toxin contains poisonous proteins called lectins. Lectins block protein synthesis. Robinia causes paralysis, nausea, renal failure, diarrhea and weakness. It can lead to death in high doses and if left untreated. Phasin is another phyotoxin contained in the locust tree.

Alkaloids

• Alkaloids are chemicals that originate in nitrogen-bearing plants. Legumes are nitrogen fixing in soil and therefore carry high levels of nitrogen. Locust tree pods and seeds are the legume portion of the tree, as such would have high amounts of alkaloids. Some alkaloids are toxic and affect the nervous system.

Robitin

• Robitin is a glycoside, which affects sugar metabolism. The heart, stomach, intestines and lungs can all be affected by the chemical. In animals and people, it causes nausea, weakness and depression. Animals will be seen to stand with their legs far apart. The locust tree seeds are so toxic with all three chemicals that livestock have been poisoned by drinking water where pods and seeds had soaked.