Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius pods

File:Abrus precatorius - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-002.jpg

Illustration from Köhler's Medicinal Plants

Abrus precatorius, commonly known as jequirity, crab's eye, or rosary pea, is a plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions and is known for its bright red seeds with a black spot, which are highly toxic due to the presence of the compound abrin.

Description

Abrus precatorius is a slender, perennial climber that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedges. The leaves are pinnate, with 5–15 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, pale violet to pink, and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a pod, which contains several seeds.

Seeds

The seeds of Abrus precatorius are hard, shiny, and red with a black spot. They are often used in jewelry and percussion instruments. Despite their attractive appearance, the seeds are highly toxic if chewed or swallowed, due to the presence of abrin, a potent toxin.

Toxicity

Abrin, the toxin found in the seeds, is a ribosome-inactivating protein that inhibits protein synthesis, leading to cell death. Ingestion of even a single seed can be fatal to humans and animals if the seed coat is broken. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Abrus precatorius has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a treatment for certain eye conditions. The seeds are also used in jewelry and as a unit of weight in India, known as the "ratti."

Cultivation

Abrus precatorius is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position. The plant is often grown as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and seeds.

Related pages

• Fabaceae
• Toxin
• Traditional medicine

Gallery

• Abrus precatorius seeds
  Abrus precatorius seeds
• White variant of Abrus seeds
  White variant of Abrus seeds
• Abrus precatorius in the wild
  Abrus precatorius in the wild
• Close-up of Abrus precatorius
  Close-up of Abrus precatorius
• Indian licorice plant
  Indian licorice plant
• Abrus precatorius plant
  Abrus precatorius plant
• Abrus precatorius leaves and flowers
  Abrus precatorius leaves and flowers