Can I eat wisteria seeds?
Quick Answer
No
Wisteria seeds are highly toxic if ingested. They contain a compound called wisterin, which can cause serious health problems such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
What Is It?
Wisteria seeds are the seeds produced by the wisteria plant, a popular ornamental vine with cascading flowers. The seeds are contained in long, flat pods and are often brown or black in color.
Historical Context
Wisteria has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures, but its seeds have always been recognized as toxic.
How to Tell
Signs of wisteria seed poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and in severe cases, collapse or convulsions.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting wisteria seeds poses serious health risks due to their high toxicity.
- Gastrointestinal distress: This includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
- Neurological symptoms: In severe cases, wisteria seed poisoning can cause dizziness, confusion, or even convulsions.