Medicinal Plants Of Nepal

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Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius, commonly known as Rosary Pea or Coral Bead Vine, is a constant climbing herb belonging to the Fabaceae household. Renowned for its strikingly vibrant crimson kernels with a black spot, that herb holds significant medicinal and toxicological significance. While it possesses been broadly used in customary medicine over diverse cultures, its kernels hold abrin, a potent toxin, making it single of the most poisonous plants known.

     

    Names in Different Countries

    This herb is known by dint of diverse names worldwide:

     

    English: Coral bead creeper, Rosary pea

     

    ancient Indian language: Gunjaa

     

    Hindi: Ratti, Gunchi

     

    Bengali: Kunch, Gunch

     

    Tamil: Kundu mani

     

    Telugu: Guruvinda, Guruginja

     

    Malayalam: Kunni

     

    Kannada: Gulaganji

     

    Marathi: Gunja

     

    Gujarati: Ratti

     

    Arabic: عين العفريت (Ain al-afreet)

     

    Chinese: 相思子 (Xiang si zi)

     

    Russian: Чёточник молитвенный

     

    Thai: มะกล่ำตาหนู

     

    Vietnamese: Cam thảo dây

     

    person: Paternostererbse

     

    Spanish: Jequerity

     

    Geographical Distribution

    Abrus precatorius thrives in tropical and warm regions, comprising subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of the Americas. It grows as a twining creeper, frequently found in forests, grasslands, and along roadsides.

     

    bodily Structure

    This arboreal creeper can grow above 2 meters in extent, with thin, glabrous stems. The foliage are pinnately compound, with 10 to 20 pairs of tiny, elongated leaflets. The flowers are tiny, clustered in racemes, and scope in color from pink to purple. The produce is a shell containing 3 to 8 hard, glossy kernels—typically bright crimson with a black spot, though pale and black variants be.

     

    healing Properties

    Despite its toxicity, Abrus precatorius possesses been used in customary medicine for centuries. lock medicinal properties contain:

     

    Anti-inflammatory: Effective in reducing inflammation and allergic reactions.

     

    Antimicrobial: Used to handle bacterial infections and skin diseases.

     

    Antipyretic: Helps reduce high temperature.

     

    Antifertility: Seeds and roots be in possession of been used as contraceptives.

     

    Analgesic: Relieves ache in conditions like sciatica and paralysis.

     

    Expectorant: Used in treating bronchitis and hack.

     

    Advantages

     

    normal cure for diverse ailments, comprising skin disorders, breathing issues, and nervous method diseases.

     

    possible anti-cancer properties owing to abrin’s cytotoxic effects upon tumor cells.

     

    Used in veterinary medicine for treating kept placenta and infections in livestock.

     

    Traditional and current Uses

     

    Roots: Used as an emetic, for hack, bronchitis, and as an abortifacient.

     

    Leaves: Treat hack, high temperature, jaundice, and skin conditions like Hansen's disease.

     

    Seeds: Applied outwardly for boils, mastitis, and as a contraceptive (though very toxic provided ingested).

     

    Stem and Bark: Decoctions used for stomachaches, sore gullet, and asthma.

     

    Methods of Use

     

    glue: Seeds or foliage ground into a paste for topical request in skin diseases.

     

    Decoction: Roots or foliage boiled for treating breathing and digestive disorders.

     

    dust: Seed powder used in tiny doses for antifertility purposes.

     

    Oil Infusion: Seed lubricate applied for muscular ache and inflammation.

     

    Toxicity and Precautions

    The kernels are very poisonous provided chewed or broken, freeing abrin, what can be deadly even in tiny doses. Symptoms of poisoning contain nausea, vomiting, abdominal ache, and multi-instrument unsuccess. Proper processing and controlled use are crucial in customary medicine to mitigate risks.

     

    Conclusion

    Abrus precatorius is a herb of paradoxes—twain a potent poison and a precious medicinal herb. Its large use in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine highlights its therapeutic potential, whereas its toxicity demands cautious handling. Ongoing investigation explores its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, offering hopeful avenues for modern medicine. However, its secure request requires rigid attachment to customary acquaintance and systematic confirmation.


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