Pharmacological Activities of Abrus Precatorius Linn.: A Comprehensive Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses and Phytochemical Profile
May 2026
in “
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
”
TLDR Rosary Pea has medicinal benefits but requires careful handling due to its toxicity.
Abrus precatorius Linn., known as Rosary Pea, is both a potent toxin and a valuable medicinal plant used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for treating conditions such as skin issues, respiratory problems, and hair loss. The plant's therapeutic use involves a purification process to neutralize abrin, a toxic protein. It contains beneficial compounds like triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have shown potential in treating diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis through various biological pathways. Despite its toxicological concerns, particularly due to abrin, the plant's components exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. The review emphasizes the need for standardized quality control and the transition from preclinical studies to human clinical trials to ensure the plant's safe and effective use in modern medicine.
