Thermopsis montana
Thermopsis montana
Thermopsis montana is a plant traditionally found in North America. While there are no specific traditional uses recorded, it has been associated with toxicity in cattle, where it induced myopathy and skeletal muscle degeneration, leading to severe toxicosis symptoms and fatalities in some cases. Scientific evidence suggests that quinolizidine alkaloids, particularly those with an alpha-pyridone A-ring, may be responsible for these effects. However, the relationship between sequencing reads and pollen mass is inconsistent, indicating that sequence counts are not reliable proxies for pollen abundance in mixed-species samples. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but caution should be exercised given its known toxic effects on cattle.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that purified alkaloid extracts from Thermopsis montana induced myopathy in cattle similar to those caused by other plants, suggesting quinolizidine alkaloids with an alpha-pyridone A-ring may be responsible.
- Six heifer calves showed increased serum enzyme activities and skeletal muscle degeneration after administration of Thermopsis montana, with two fatalities.
- Cattle experienced severe toxicosis symptoms after consuming varying doses of Thermopsis montana, with enzyme levels increasing significantly.
- The relationship between sequencing reads and pollen mass was inconsistent, suggesting sequence counts are not reliable proxies for pollen abundance in mixed-species samples.
Frequently asked questions
What is Thermopsis montana?
Thermopsis montana (Thermopsis montana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Thermopsis montana?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Thermopsis montana; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that purified alkaloid extracts from Thermopsis montana induced myopathy in cattle similar to those caused by other plants, suggesting quinolizidine alkaloids with an alpha-pyridone A-ring may be responsible.
How strong is the evidence for Thermopsis montana?
The strongest finding for Thermopsis montana carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Thermopsis montana safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Thermopsis montana in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Thermopsis montana interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Thermopsis montana in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Thermopsis montana a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Myopathy in cattle induced by alkaloid extracts from Thermopsis montanta, Laburnum anagyroides and a Lupinus sp. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Thermopsis montana-induced myopathy in calves. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Toxicity of Thermopsis montana in cattle. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Investigating the use of pollen DNA metabarcoding to quantify bee foraging and effects of threshold selection. literature abstract metadata