Gunja (Abrus Precatorius): A Review

Abstract

Gunja (Abrus precatorius Linn.), also known as Indian liquorice, is regarded as one of the most toxic but also visually stunning seeds in the world. It is classified as an Upavisha (semipoisonous medication) and is utilised widely in several Ayurvedic formulations with significant medicinal value. According to Ayurveda, Gunja should only be administered after appropriate Shodhana (purification techniques) using various media, including Godugdha (cow's milk), Kanji (sour gruel), etc. Common names for Abrus precatorius Linn. include Gunja and Jequirity, and it is widely distributed throughout India's plains. It is classified as an Upavisha (semi-poisonous medications) and is widely utilised in several Ayurvedic formulations with significant therapeutic value. It has been noted that Gunja’s seed, root, fruit, and leaves are used as an ingredient in many formulations. Netra roga (Eye Diseases), Khalitya (Alopecia), Sarpa Visha (Snake Poison), Jwar (Fever), Indralupta (Alopecia),Keshya (Hair Tonic), Prameha (Urinary Disorder), etc. are some of the diseases.Different dosage forms are used to administer different parts of the Gunja plant, including swarasa (juice), kwatha (decoction), lepa (paste), anjan (application in the eye), avaleha (semi-solid preparations), taila (oil), rasa (mineral preparation), vati (pills), modaka (solid dosage form)ghrita (fat soluble preparations) & churna (powder).