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Phalaris aquatica - roo killer?


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The article refers to "toxins" - I can assume they mean DMT - So my question is do kangaroos lack a MAOI's to denature the DMT? Or do they simple eat so much that they overload their systems capacity to denature the DMT. I would guess that it the latter.

 

And if its DMT that's the toxin, then if they where given palliative care the kangaroos would recover just like any overdose patient. Since it seems that the "toxin" does not kill them just makes them easier to hunt and kill.

 

The word "TOXIN" is banded around like a boggy man, a non-descriptive threat full of sound and fury but signifying nothing.

 

 

Edited by Starward
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Good question. I'd assumed gramine (not DMT) to be the toxic alkaloid, as gramine can be lethal in mammals. I'm more intrigued by the use of cobalt to counteract its effects?

 

Quote

 

The LD50 of gramine is 44.6 mg/ kg iv in mice and 62.9 mg/ kg iv in rats.[8]Numerous studies have been done on the toxicity of gramine and tryptamines to insects harmful to crops in order to assess their potential use as an insecticide.[9]

Recent toxicity evaluations show Gramine to be relatively low toxicity in humans, and to have anti-mutagenic and potential neuroprotective action, as a widely found alkaloid present in Oats and Barley. [10] There are numerous recent studies on the potential health benefits of Gramine.

 

 

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On 6/28/2025 at 4:54 PM, wachumacallit said:

I'm more intrigued by the use of cobalt

 

Tried using AI search function for first time - with the question "why is cobalt used for gramine toxicity" and AI gave me this answer

 

Quote

Cobalt is not specifically used for gramine toxicity; rather, it is a heavy metal that can accumulate in plants and may affect their growth and health. High levels of cobalt can lead to toxic effects, including reduced growth and nutrient uptake in plants.

 

For what it worth.

 

 

Edited by Starward
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http://flockandherd.net.au/sheep/reader/phalaris-staggers-II.html

^ Some interesting info here. 

 

The effect on livestock appears to be seasonal (could indicate alkaloid levels?): 

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/sheep-notes-newsletter/autumn-2021/perennial-ryegrass-staggers-and-phalaris-staggers. I've also read that new growth, immediately following rain in an otherwise dry season, poses the greatest risk of Phalaris poisoning. 

 

https://www.dmt-nexus.me/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=69669

^ Another good page. 

 

Looks like Phalaris is sold as a livestock crop to Oz farmers, without much regard for native wildlife. Risk to cattle and sheep is perceived as minimal: https://naracoorteseeds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Australis-Australian-Phalaris.pdf

 

And this page names a couple of "low alkaloid" Phalaris strains: https://npvets.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Phalaris-Staggers.pdf (without indicating which tryptamine alkaloid is responsible for Phalaris poisoning).

 

I've heard rumour of a low-gramine Phalaris aquatica cultivar, for human consumption. 

Edited by wachumacallit
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