12/07/2025
The images show the seeds and plant of Abrus precatorius, commonly known as jequirity bean or rosary pea.
It's crucial to understand that this plant is highly toxic, especially its seeds. The medical benefits, if any, are often outweighed by its severe toxicity. The plant contains abrin, a potent toxin that can be fatal if ingested, even in small amounts.
Despite its toxicity, in traditional medicine systems, various parts of Abrus precatorius have been used, albeit with extreme caution and often for very specific applications, some of which are:
* Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Traditionally, poultices or pastes made from the leaves or roots have been applied externally to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, and sciatica.
* Wound Healing: In some traditional practices, extracts or pastes were used on wounds, ulcers, and skin infections due to perceived antiseptic or healing properties.
* Fever and Cough: Decoctions of the leaves or roots have been used in some traditional systems to treat fever, coughs, and colds.
* Hair Care: The roots are sometimes used in traditional hair oil preparations, believed to promote hair growth and prevent baldness.
* Abortion-inducing properties: The plant has also been historically used in some cultures for its abortifacient properties, though this is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe complications or death.
However, it is extremely important to reiterate that the use of Abrus precatorius for any medicinal purpose is highly dangerous and not recommended due to its severe toxicity. Ingestion of even a single seed can be fatal, and handling the seeds without proper protection can also be risky if the outer coating is broken, releasing the toxin.
Modern medicine generally advises against the internal or even topical use of Abrus precatorius due to the high risk of abrin poisoning. If you encounter this plant, it's best to avoid contact and certainly not to consume any part of it.
