Abstract

A REVIEW ON TOXIC DRUG GUNJA (ABRUS PRECATORIUS LINN.)

Dr. Ankita Vashist* and Jayamala A. Jadhav

ABSTRACT

Herbal medicines are in great demand for preliminary health care due to their wide medicinal values without any side effects. Since many species are used in the system of traditional medicine, scientists have great opportunities to develop appropriate packages of practices for their multiplication and conservation. It is reported that the plant has a broad range of therapeutic potentials, like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic, anti-serotonergic, anti-migraine, including treatment of inflammation, ulcers, wounds, throat scratches and sores. Abrus precatorius is the native plant of this Indian subcontinent and used in many ways in the traditional system of medicine considered as Ayurveda treatment. Ayurveda recommends the administration of the Abrus precatorius in disease like alopecia, edema, helminths, skin diseases, itching, urinary disorders, and anti-fertility. This review will help to explore the medicinal effects of the Abrus precatorius especially in the field of contraception which might be a remarkable activity in this realm. Therefore the present review is aimed to compile up the updated data and highlighting the special features on its pharmacological activities in various diseases.

Keywords: Gunja, Abrus, Plant toxin, Shodhana.