Cyanide toxicosis can arise from which plant groups?

• A. Pitted fruits, Pome fruits, Grasses, Elderberry, Legumes
• B. Legume hay
• C. Oats
• D. Buckwheat

Answer: (A)

Cyanide toxicosis happens when plants contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid) when the plant tissue is damaged, chewed, or digested. The groups listed cover a range of common sources: stone fruits (pitted fruits) and the seeds of pomes (like apples and pears) can release cyanide if seeds are crushed or ingested; certain grasses, notably sorghum-type forages such as sorghum and johnsongrass, carry cyanogenic compounds that can yield prussic acid under stress or rapid grazing; elderberry contains cyanogenic compounds in parts of the plant; and many legumes have cyanogenic glycosides in seeds or leaves that can release cyanide when damaged. Because these diverse plant groups are well established sources of cyanide in animals, they collectively explain why cyanide toxicosis can arise from such plants. In contrast, oats and buckwheat are not typical or primary sources of cyanide poisoning in veterinary toxicology contexts.