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 potential medicinal uses but requires careful handling due to its toxicity.
Abrus precatorius Linn., known as Rosary Pea or Gunja, is a plant with both toxic and medicinal properties, traditionally used in Ayurveda and African folk medicine for conditions like skin issues, respiratory problems, and hair loss. The plant contains non-toxic compounds such as triterpene glycosides, antioxidant flavonoids, and indole alkaloids, which have shown potential in treating diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis through various biochemical pathways. Despite the toxic nature of abrin, a protein in the plant, its apoptotic mechanism offers potential for targeted cancer therapies. 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.
