Abstract

A REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF GUNJA (ABRUS PRECATORIUS L.)

Sunil Kumar* and Sahana V. M. Vats

Abstract

Gunja (Abrus precatorius L.) a climber which belongs to the family Fabaceae and known for its medicinal uses from ancient times. Ayurveda enclosed Gunja in various groups such as Vamana Dravya, Shukrajanana Mahakashaya, Upavisha varga etc. The active ingredient of Abrus precatorius, Abrin, is a potentially poisonous protein with severe adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding etc, after consumption of the seeds. On external application it produces rashes, redness, itching, and burning sensation. Ayurveda therefore suggested appropriate Shodhana of seeds before internal administration in order to reduce such ill effects. Kushta, Vrana, Krimi, Kandu, Indralupta, etc. are just a few of the therapeutic indications of Gunja that have been used successfully to treat a range of medical conditions either administered internally or externally. Recent Researches have shown that Abrus contains several biologically active compounds that may have numerous potential therapeutic properties, such as anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory etc. The pharmacological potential of Abrus precatorius still justifies vast research possibilities.

Keywords: Gunja, Abrus precatorius, Upvisha, antiviral, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, Shukrajanana Mahakashaya, Shukrajanana Mahakashaya