Saponaria species: Soapwort

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Common Names

Bouncing bet, saponaria, soapwort (S. officinalis).

Plant Description

A genus of about 20 annual and perennial plants native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, Saponaria are erect, herbaceous plants forming colonies from a rhizomatous root system. Leaves are petiolate or sessile, opposite, ovate to lanceolate, with 3 parallel veins. Inflorescences are heads of terminal or axillary cymes. Flowers are showy, with 5 sepals in a fused tube, 5 and occasionally 10 petals in white pink or red-purple. Fruits are ovoid, dehiscent capsules with many brown seeds (Fig. 353).

Figure 353. Saponaria officinalis.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

The seeds especially have many saponins that are gastrointestinal irritants. The saponin glycosides are similar to those found in other plant species such as Vicaria spp. (cow cockle, spring cockle), Agrostemma species (corn cockle, corn campion), and Drymaria species (drymary, inkweed, alfombrillo) [1].

Risk Assessment

Although a common garden plant, poisoning is very unlikely in dogs and cats. The seeds pose the greatest risk, and can be a problem to birds.

Clinical Signs

Vomiting and diarrhea with reddening of the mucous membranes are the most likely signs to be encountered. Livestock eating large quantities plants high in saponins become anorexic, salivate excessively, bloat, and develop diarrhea. Treatment is usually symptomatic.