18 Abrus Precatorius Benefits And Medicinal Uses (Rosary Pea)
Abrus precatorius, Rosary Pea or Gunja, is a medicinal plant known for its neuro-protective, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. It presents potential side effects and risks.
In this article, I take a deep dive into Abrus precatorius benefits, side effects and potential nutritional value. I also explore it’s history and how to use this poisonous herb
Important: Throughout the article you will see numbers in brackets that link to scientific papers and trusted medical sources. I urge you to follow these links for a deeper research on Abrus precatorius and its benefits. All links open in a new window / tab.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Abrus precatorius L. |
| Common Names | Kundumani (Tamil), Jequirity bean, Rosary Pea, Crab’s Eye, Indian licorice, precatory bean |
| Family | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Distribution | Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlands, disturbed areas |
| Description | Slender, perennial climber with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves |
| Flowers | Purple, papilionaceous |
| Fruits | Flat, oblong, hairy pods |
| Seeds | Bright red and black, hard-shelled, highly poisonous |
| Medicinal Uses | Roots, leaves, and seeds used for various purposes, including treating neuromuscular issues, epilepsy, viral infections, malaria, fertility issues, etc. |
| Chemical Constituents | Flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin, alkaloids |
| Toxicity | Abrin, a toxin in the seeds, is extremely poisonous and can be fatal if ingested |
| Poisoning Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, convulsions, coma |
| Mortality Rate | Study on Abrus precatorius poisoning reported a mortality rate of 5.35% |
| Treatment | No specific antidote; supportive care |
| Uses | Traditional medicine, jewelry, ornamental plant |
| Importance | Invasive species in many regions |
What is Abrus precatorius (Rosary pea)?
Abrus precatorius, also known as the Rosary pea, is a perennial climbing plant that’s known for its vibrant red seeds and numerous medicinal properties.
Originally from India, it has adapted to various climates worldwide. The plant’s leaves are pinnately compound, and it bears pink or white flowers.
The plant’s seeds, despite their toxic nature, have been utilized in traditional medicine. They contain potent chemicals like abrin, a protein that inhibits protein synthesis within cells.
However, it’s the plant’s medicinal potential that has attracted scientific interest.
Research has revealed that Abrus precatorius exhibits neuro-protective, anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects.
These properties stem from its rich chemical constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides. The roots, leaves, and seeds are all used for different therapeutic purposes.
Despite its potential, caution is needed due to the plant’s toxicity. Ingestion of the raw seeds can be fatal, particularly to children.
Therefore, while Abrus precatorius holds promise in the development of new medicines, further research is crucial to understand and mitigate its potential risks.
Abrus Precatorius Benefits
Abrus precatorius has a wide range of medicinal properties, including but not limited to antiviral, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, and antimicrobial effects.
Additionally, it is traditionally used for various purposes such as treating cuts, wounds, snake bites, and gastrointestinal issues.
Here’s a table that lists all Abrus Precatorius benefits according to scientific resources:
| Benefit / Med. Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Neuromuscular effects | The plant has been reported for neuromuscular effects, neuro-protective properties, and antiepileptic effects. [1] |
| Antiviral | The plant has antiviral properties. [1] |
| Antidiabetic | It has been reported to have antidiabetic effects. [1] [2] |
| Antifertility | The plant has been reported for antifertility properties. [1] |
| Nephroprotective | It has nephroprotective properties. [1] |
| Immunomodulator | The plant has immunomodulatory and immunostimulatory properties. [1] |
| Anti-inflammatory | The plant has anti-inflammatory activity. [1] |
| Antioxidant | The leaf extracts of Abrus precatorius have been examined for their antioxidant properties and have been found to have strong antiradical and antiproliferative properties. [2] |
| Anti-suppurative* | The plant has anti-suppurative properties and can be used to treat acne and abscesses. [3] |
| Anti-helminthic | Traditionally used for killing helminths (parasite worms). [2] [3] |
| Anti-diarrheal | The plant is used for antidiarrheal purposes in traditional medicine. [2] [3] |
| Anti-tumor | It is believed to have antitumor properties. [3] |
| Anti-microbial | The plant is considered to have antimicrobial properties and is used to cure various diseases such as blennorrhea, colic, diarrhea, and more. [3] |
| Anti-convulsant | The roots extract can be given orally as an anticonvulsant (involuntary muscle contractions). [3] |
| Anti-malarial | The roots extract can be used as an antimalarial. [3] |
| Aphrodisiac | The plant is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. [3] |
| Anti-emetic | Leaves, roots, and seeds are used as a medicament in traditional Indian medicine for antiemetic purposes. [2] |
| Inhibits intestinal motility | Leaves, roots, and seeds are used as a medicament in traditional Indian medicine to inhibit intestinal motility. [2] |
* Suppurative is a term used to describe a disease or condition in which a purulent exudate (pus) is formed and discharged [4]
Abrus Precatorius Side Effects
While Abrus precatorius has numerous medicinal benefits and practical uses, it’s essential to also consider the potential side effects that may occur with its usage.
Abrus precatorius, is poisonous and may prove lethal in children. [5] [6]
The plant’s seeds contain a toxic compound called abrin, which can cause severe health problems if ingested or if its dust is inhaled.
In Ayurveda medicine is being used after a detoxification process. However, it is important to note that Gunja is a Schedule E1 classified herb, which means that oral Ayurvedic medicines containing Gunja can only be taken under strict medical supervision.
“Schedule E1 is an important part of Drugs and Cosmetics Act (Government of India) that comprises the list of poisonous drugs from plant, animal and mineral origins to be consumed under medical supervision”. [7]
Some of the common symptoms of its toxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, sunken eyes, cold perspiration, trembling of the hands, dyspnea, weak, rapid and irregular pulse, vertigo, and faintness, rectal bleeding, oliguria, and features of uremia. [8]
Here is a table of the most common side effects of Abrus precatorius:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdominal pain | Pain in the stomach area |
| Nausea | Feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit |
| Vomiting | Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth |
| Diarrhea | Loose, watery stools |
| Weakness | Lack of physical or muscle strength |
| Sunken eyes | Eyes that appear to be pushed back into the head |
| Cold perspiration | Excessive sweating |
| Trembling of the hands | Involuntary shaking of the hands |
| Dyspnea | Shortness of breath |
| Weak, rapid and irregular pulse | Abnormal heart rate |
| Vertigo | Dizziness |
| Faintness | Feeling of lightheadedness |
| Rectal bleeding | Blood in the stool |
| Oliguria | Reduced urine output |
| Features of uremia | Symptoms associated with kidney failure |
Medical professionals advise against using Abrus precatorius without proper guidance due to these potential side effects.
Again, it’s crucial to note that while the plant has significant medicinal benefits, improper usage can lead to severe health consequences, even death.
Therefore, always consult a healthcare professional or a herbal expert before starting any treatment involving Abrus precatorius.
Which parts of the plant are used
The roots, leaves, and seeds are most commonly used, each rich in a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant’s medicinal value.
- The roots are known to contain abrol, abrasine, precasine, and precol – compounds traditionally used in the treatment of jaundice and abdominal pains. [1]
- The leaves, on the other hand, are rich in compounds like abrine, abruslactone, and inositol, which have been associated with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. [1]
- The seeds of Abrus precatorius are perhaps the most potent part of the plant. They contain abrin, a toxic lectin, alongside flavonoids and saponins. These seeds are used for worm infestations and as oral contraceptives in traditional medicine. [1]
Despite their toxicity, the seeds have proven medicinal value, particularly when used under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.
How to Use Abrus Precatorius
In traditional medicine, there’s a specific way to safely use Abrus precatorius for its various health benefits – which involves detoxifying the plant first before using it.
It’s crucial to note that the seeds of this plant are highly toxic and should not be consumed raw. They must be thoroughly roasted or boiled to neutralize their toxicity before use.
The leaves and roots of Abrus precatorius, on the other hand, can be used to create medicinal concoctions. The leaves are typically dried and ground into a powder, which can then be brewed as a tea or mixed with a carrier oil for topical application.
The roots can be boiled to make a potent decoction.
| Part of Plant | Preparation Method | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | Roasting or Boiling | Consumption after detoxification |
| Leaves | Drying and Grinding | Brewed as tea or mixed with oil for topical use |
| Roots | Boiling | Used to make a decoction |
History of Abrus precatorius
For centuries, people have been using Abrus precatorius, particularly in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, for its numerous therapeutic properties.
This plant, also known as Rosary pea or Jequirity, is native to India and has dispersed to other tropical regions over time. Its roots, leaves, and seeds are rich in chemical constituents like flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin, and alkaloids, which account for its diverse medicinal effects.
Historically, Abrus precatorius has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, from skin diseases to worm infestations.
It has also shown potential as an oral contraceptive in traditional practices.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant’s seeds, known for their uniform weight, were once used as standard measures for weighing precious stones.
While this plant has a rich history of use, it’s important to note that it contains the toxin abrin, which can be fatal if ingested. Therefore, despite its therapeutic potential, the use of Abrus precatorius requires careful handling and preparation to avoid potential toxicity. Its history and cultural significance make it an interesting subject for further scientific investigation in the field of ethnobotany.
Nutritional Value of Abrus Precatorius
Despite its toxic potential, Abrus precatorius possesses significant nutritional value due to its rich content of flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpene glycosides. These compounds provide potent antioxidant properties, contributing to the plant’s medicinal uses.
- The flavonoids, for instance, are phenolic substances widely distributed in the plant kingdom, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties.
- The alkaloids found in Abrus precatorius are organic compounds that have a profound physiological action on human bodies. They’ve been associated with analgesic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties.
- The triterpene glycosides, on the other hand, are saponins that are recognized for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to these bioactive compounds, Abrus precatorius also contains proteins and fats, which provide energy, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, necessary for bone and blood health.
I’ve created this table of the Nutritional value of Abrus Precatorius per 100 grams. [9] [10] [11] [12]
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Daily Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 92g | 184% |
| Starch | 4.8g | – |
| Total Polyphenols | High | – |
| Calcium | 231.83mg | 23% |
| Iron | High | – |
| Magnesium | High | – |
| Potassium | High | – |
| Vitamin A | High | – |
| Vitamin E | High | – |
| Vitamin C | High | – |
The nutritional value of Abrus precatorius per 100 grams is as follows:
- Protein: 92g
- Starch: 4.8g
- Total Polyphenols: High
- Calcium: 231.83mg
- Iron: High
- Magnesium: High
- Potassium: High
- Vitamin A: High
- Vitamin E: High
- Vitamin C: High
The daily values are calculated based on a 2000-calorie diet. The daily value for protein is exceptionally high, while the starch content is relatively low. The plant is also rich in polyphenols, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, E, and C, making it a potentially valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Other Uses of Abrus Precatorius
Besides its medicinal properties, Abrus precatorius also serves a variety of other uses in different cultures and traditional practices.
Known for its beautiful and distinctive seeds which are red in color and dotted with a black spot, these seeds have been historically used in jewelry making. These small, eye-catching seeds have been strung into necklaces and bracelets, adding a touch of natural beauty to traditional wear.
This plant also has agricultural uses. It has been used as a natural pesticide in many farming communities due to its potent toxicity to certain pests. [13]
This reduces the dependency on synthetic pesticides, thus making farming more sustainable.
Here are three other significant uses of Abrus precatorius:
- Weights and Measures: The seeds of this plant, due to their uniformity in weight, have been used as standard weights for measuring precious metals in some cultures. [14]
- Ornamental Use: Often used in landscape designing due to its attractive foliage and bright colored seeds.
- Fish Poison: The plant extracts have been used in some communities to stun fish, making them easier to catch.
These diverse uses of Abrus precatorius highlight its cultural and practical significance beyond its medicinal benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
Taking into account all the available information, it’s clear that Abrus precatorius possesses significant medicinal potential, but its use also carries potential risks due to its inherent toxicity.
This plant, commonly used in traditional medicine, showcases a variety of healing properties including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimalarial effects. Its diverse chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and abrin, contribute to these therapeutic benefits.
However, the same components that provide health benefits also pose health risks, with the seeds of Abrus precatorius being particularly toxic. Accidental ingestion or inappropriate use can lead to severe, even fatal, consequences. Therefore, its usage requires careful handling and thorough knowledge.
Research into Abrus precatorius is ongoing, with studies exploring its potential in treating diseases such as diabetes and hepatitis, and its antifertility properties. Despite the promising results, more work is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and safe dosage levels.
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