In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver. Eunsu Song, Myongji University.

The fruit of the cocklebur plant, ... "In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver," said Song.

The fruit of the cocklebur plant, ... “In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver,” said Song.

Large cockle burrs (above) are a problem for South Africa’s wool industry, as they get stuck in the fleeces of sheep. Contaminated wool has to be cleaned before it can be processed and sold.

The fruit of the cocklebur plant, ... "In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver," said Song.