Oxalates
All parts of taro contain needles of calcium oxalate crystals. Taro leaves contain up to 3% DM of oxalates (Duncan et al., 2000). Oxalate crystals cause itchiness to the mouth, throat and digestive tract, and are also responsible for renal toxicity and hypocalcemia, as oxalic acid combines with serum calcium and magnesium. Raw taro forage causes irritation to workers handling it (Carpenter et al., 1983). In ruminants, gradual exposure to oxalic acid leads to changes in the rumen microbial population that mitigates oxalate toxicity (Duncan et al., 2000). See Processes on the "Description" tab for information about oxalate detoxification.
Antinutritional factors
Taro contains enzyme inhibitors (antitryptic factors) and saponins. These toxicants are removed or reduced by cooking (Agwunobi et al., 2002; Babayemi et al., 2009; Safo Kantaka, 2004).