What are the major plant toxicity categories?

• A. Alkaloids, diterpene esters, glycosides, grayanotoxins, nitrates, oxalates, tanning, toxalbumins
• B. Only alkaloids
• C. Nitrates and oxalates
• D. Fats and proteins

Answer: (B)

The major plant toxicity categories are best understood as broad chemical families that explain why many plants pose serious risks. Alkaloids stand out because they are nitrogen-containing compounds found in a wide range of poisonous plants and have potent effects on vital systems such as the nervous and cardiovascular systems. This broad and highly impactful presence makes alkaloids the most emphasized category in many toxicology discussions and exams, since they account for a large portion of plant-related poisonings. Other real toxins like nitrates, oxalates, glycosides, grayanotoxins, and toxalbumins exist and can cause specific toxic effects, but they’re often viewed as individual example toxins within narrower classes rather than the primary broad category. Fats and proteins are not considered major plant toxin categories in this context.