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.
