Which plant family includes Mustards (Brassica) associated with GI toxicity?

• A. Solanaceae
• B. Asteraceae
• C. Poaceae
• D. Mustards (Brassica)

Answer: (D)

GI irritation from Brassicaceae stems from the chemistry of Mustards (Brassica). These plants contain glucosinolates that break down into irritants such as isothiocyanates when the plant tissue is damaged and digested. In animals that consume sizeable amounts, this can lead to digestive upset—vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and reduced appetite. Because this GI-toxicity pattern is characteristic of Brassicaceae ingestion, the Mustards (Brassica) family is the best association. Other listed families have different toxin profiles (for example, Solanaceae with alkaloids, Asteraceae with irritant compounds, Poaceae with grasses that aren’t specifically linked to mustard-like GI toxicity), so they don’t fit the same GI toxicity pattern.