Prof. Dr. Majeed Kadhim Al-Hamzawi Toxic plants are those containing chemical compounds or active substances capable—whether through contact, inhalation, or ingestion—of causing injury, illness, or even death to humans and animals. However, when used in small quantities and at appropriate dosages, these plants can be utilized as herbal medicines with therapeutic properties. Such chemical compounds include alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, oxalates, tannins, and others. These compounds are classified as plant secondary metabolites; although considered toxic to humans and certain animals, their presence serves a purpose, as they play vital roles in protecting the plant against predators and pathogens. Official sources in many countries indicate that harmful and toxic plants are responsible for numerous cases of poisoning worldwide; the plants' beauty often masks their toxic nature, while a lack of awareness exacerbates the problem. There are numerous plant species that contain toxins. Examples include plants containing anticholinergic toxins—such as Atropa belladonna, Datura stramonium, and Hyoscyamus niger—or calcium oxalate crystals (e.g., Philodendron spp.), cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digitalis purpurea), convulsants and nicotine-like alkaloids (e.g., Conium maculatum and Nicotiana glauca), or cell division inhibitors (e.g., Catharanthus roseus and Colchicum autumnale) or pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as Senecio vulgaris; sodium channel activators such as Aconitum napellus and Rhododendron spp.; cyanogenic compounds such as Hydrangea macrophylla; or toxalbumins such as Abrus precatorius and Ricinus communis, among others. Given that knowledge regarding toxic plants remains insufficient, it is crucial to characterize and study the properties of certain plant species that cause poisoning and death in humans. Plant toxicity varies by species and depends on several factors, most notably the specific chemical compounds unique to each plant. Key considerations include the specific part of the plant ingested, the concentration of the toxin, the chemical composition, the plant's age, environmental growth conditions (such as soil type, humidity, temperature, and season), and the stage of fruit maturity. In cases of poisoning, individual differences—such as age, weight, physical condition, and the extent of exposure—are significant and sometimes even critical factors. Most cases of poisoning are characterized by symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as dermatological issues like dermatitis.However, there are more severe cases of poisoning that can lead to cytotoxicity or central nervous system depression, potentially resulting in respiratory and cardiac failure and, ultimately, death. Poisoning by toxic plants can be considered a public health issue. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality; yet, since most cases result from accidental exposure, they are preventable. Knowledge is the best form of prevention; therefore, one of the key challenges for the future lies in educating the general public and raising awareness about this issue.Furthermore, reporting these cases of poisoning helps enhance the awareness and preparedness of healthcare professionals to manage and treat them. Given that knowledge regarding toxic plants remains insufficient, there is an ongoing need for further efforts in two directions: deepening research to understand the properties of these plants and how to counteract their effects with antidotes—or utilize them in herbal remedies at safe, carefully studied dosages—and disseminating information and raising public awareness about the characteristics of these plants.