The sap which contains Tuliposide A, which is converted to Tulipalin A which causes an allergic dermatitis in people exposed to it (tulip farmers and florists) and is toxic to animals and man. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting and excess salivation proceeding if a lot has been eaten, to convulsions, coma and death.

Eating any tulip bulbs causes vomiting and abdominal pain and even convulsions after a large amount due to content of Tulipins A and B.