Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Monocrotaline
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Eaten. A toxin found in certain wild plants — most commonly consumed via contaminated herbal teas, supplements, or grain crops harvested with weeds.
Summary
Classified by IARC as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic to humans. Evidence is limited. (Vol 10, Sup 7, 1987)
What's not established
This classification means the evidence is limited: either limited evidence in humans, or sufficient evidence in animals without enough human data. It does not establish that this factor causes cancer in people, a safe exposure threshold, or your personal risk from a given level of exposure.
Regional relevance
global
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
IARC
IARC Monographs — Agents Classified Alphabetically (Vols 1–123)
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.