Like all cycads, the king sago palm contains toxins. The tree contains cycasin and macrozamin, which are chemical compounds unique to cycads. These compounds are not actually dangerous on their own, but when ingested they react together to create an extremely potent toxin that primarily damages the liver, and can cause cancer as well as neurological problems. These toxins are seen in all parts of the plant. The toxins can cause a large problem for farmers, as livestock may ingest the toxic leaves; a full grown sheep will die in minutes of eating a full leaf. However, some species seem to have a resistance to the toxins; the insect species that pollinate the tree are obviously immune, as they use the cycad as a food source. Humans, however, are not immune, and people have certainly died eating parts of the plant. Although, many cultures have figured out ways to safely remove the toxins from the plant in order to safely consume it.