Alpine Ragwort Interactions Overview

Senecio nemorensis, commonly known as wood ragwort, alpine ragwort or mountain groundsel, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia. This species is characterized by its erect stems, which can grow up to 50 centimeters tall, and its bright yellow composite flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Wood ragwort is known for its toxicity, containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be harmful to livestock and humans if ingested. PAs, particularly unsaturated ones like retrorsine and senecionine, are the most hepatotoxic, causing liver damage through mechanisms involving oxidative stress. Those looking to take dietary supplements containing Senecio nemorensis should be advised against using preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.