Cycads, or commonly known as Sago Palms, are a small group of plants with many unique features. … All parts of the plant are toxic, but the seeds contain higher amounts of cycasin (a carcinogenic and neurotoxic glucoside) than do the other parts of the plant.

Why are cycads toxic?

Cycads contain a toxin called cycasin, which is broken down by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to methylazoxymethanol (MAM for short!). MAM is responsible for most of the toxic effects seen in cycad poisonings. Ingestion of any part of the plant can result in poisoning.

What does cycad produce?

Cycads are woody plants which produce seeds. Although they may have a general appearance which is readily identifiable by most people, they are usually linked to palms or ferns, when in fact they are not related to either.