Open AccessA REVIEW ON TOXICITY OF GUNJA (ABRUS PRECATORIUS)
Author(s) -
Praveen Kumar,
Manish Rajak,
Jai Kumar Singh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international ayurvedic medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-5091
DOI - 10.46607/iamj2309072021
Subject(s) - abrus precatorius , traditional medicine , toxicity , acute toxicity , medicine
Gunja (Abrus precatorius Linn.) is a toxic plant which is described in various Samhita and other Ayurvedic texts. In Sushruta Samhita Vishaja dravyas are classified into Sthavara, Jangama and Kritima Visha. Gunja is mentioned in Sthavara Visha. In Sthavara Visha it is mentioned under Moolaja Adhisthan, which is one of the ten Adhisthan of Sthavara Visha. According to Rasa Tarangani Sthavara Visha are further divided into Mahavisha and Upavisha. Gunja is mentioned in Upavisha which is less potent toxic than Mahavisha. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the most toxic part is the seed which contains the active principle abrin. According to the modern concept, it is an irritant organic poison. In the Ayurvedic concept, if toxic plants are used after Shodhana process, they are useful in various types of diseases. The main aim of this study is to collect all the information related to Gunja and its toxicity.Keywords: Gunja, Visha, Toxicity, Abrin, Shodhana