A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and chemical composition of Abrus precatorius Linn: therapeutic potential and safety concerns

Jagruti Shewale*, Bhavana Vasave, Kalyani Chaudhari, Puja Gaikwad, Pankaj Chaudhari, Rakesh Dhole

Shatabdi Institute of Pharmacy, Samsherpur, Bamdod, Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

Refer this article

Jagruti Shewale, Bhavana Vasave, Kalyani Chaudhari, Puja Gaikwad, Pankaj Chaudhari, Rakesh Dhole, A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and chemical composition of Abrus precatorius Linn: therapeutic potential and safety concerns. International Journal of Therapeutic Innovation, September-October 2025, V3 – I5, Pages - 16 – 22. Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/ijti.v3i5.0127.

ABSTRACT

Abrus precatorius Linn, commonly known as rosary pea or jequirity, is a perennial climbing shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is renowned for its traditional medicinal uses across various cultures, particularly in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, where it is utilized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. The phytochemical composition of A. precatorius is diverse, containing a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins. Notably, the seeds contain abrin, a potent ribosome-inactivating protein that poses significant toxicological risks, making safety a primary concern. This review systematically examines the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of A. precatorius, exploring its therapeutic potential alongside safety concerns. Future research directions are identified, highlighting the need for studies focused on the pharmacokinetics of its active constituents, the standardization of detoxification methods, and the development of safer formulations. Comprehensive clinical trials are essential to validate traditional uses and explore new therapeutic applications while ensuring patient safety.

Keywords:

Abrus precatorius, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, abrin, traditional medicine, therapeutic potential, safety concerns.