THE THERAPEUTIC AND TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECT OF GUNJA (Abrus precatorius Linn.) - REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Gunja (Abrus precatorius Linn. family-Leguiminoceae) is a poisonous herbal plant, also known as Kakananti in Ayurvedic samhitas and has been commonly used in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. It is also described in Upavisha in Rasatarangani and Sthavar Visha gana of Sushruta and Guduchyadi Verga of Bhavprakasa. It is a deciduous plant which is widely distributed in India and found throughout tropical areas of India at sea lvel 1050 meter. In this review, an endeavor has been made to explore the therapeutic utilities of Abrus precatorius Linn. and its poisoning effect as mentioned in Ayurveda. It is observed that Gunja ( Abrus precatorius Linn.),are used as an ingredient of compound formulations of Ayurvedic medicine, indicated for fungistatic, anticancer, antibacterial, CNS depressant, analgesic, antimuscarinic, abortifacient, antispasmodic, uterine stimulant. Additionally, it is employed in the treatment of antifertility antitumour, oxytocic antisperatogenic, antimicrobial, etc in a specific therapeutic dose. In higher doses (seeds giving orally 25 mg/kg) causes death and if seed powder is given in overdose it causes vomiting/diarrhea. Gunja has been described as a toxic plant in Ayurveda so certain Shodhan process of the seeds are considered mandatory before its administration.