Larkspur toxins Larkspurs contain potent alkaloid neurotoxins.
Cause of death is usually respiratory paralysis or bloat. The toxins in the larkspurs are norditerpenoid alkaloids. Structural characterization of these alkaloids in various larkspur species began in the 1940s. When MLA was administered to a calf, clinical symptoms associated with larkspur poisoning were observed. Return to Article ChemCenter Pubs Div.