Abrus precatorius Linn.
Family: Papilionaceae
Arabic Name(s): Shisham, Batrah-Hindi
Urdu Name(s): Ghongchi, Ratti, Chanothi, Rattion
English Name(s): Jequirity
The part being used
Seeds.
Quality/Temperament
In third-order, warm and dry.
Properties and Functions (Pharmacological Actions)
Internally, due to their highly toxic effects, the seeds are not used much. In external use, the seeds possess detergent, resolvent, corrosive and desiccative actions. Sex stimulant in embrocations. Internally in very small (prescribed/ recommended) doses as nervine, irritant- stimulant, aphrodisiac, purgative,
abortive, emetic.
Specific Action
Externally detersive, resolvent, desiccative and corrosive. Internally stimulant.
Medicinal Uses
Seeds powdered rubbed with Plumbago zeylanicaLinn. the root is applied over the affected parts in psoriasis and leucoderma. Continuous daily application with Chaulmoogra oil for about a month cures leprosy as well as such diseases. In water, seeds are made into a paste which is then applied over contusions to reduce swelling and pain. Also applied on site of stiffness of shoulder-joints, pain in sciatica, paralysis
and other nervous affections and inflammations, to reduce the pain and to resolve them. For treating pannus in cornea seeds powder is used as collyrium. Pannus is the corneas that occur due to the irritation of the granulation in granular lids and conjunctivitis. But at first, this application causes purulent ophthalmia and gradually this inflammation ceases treating the basic disorder. But the method is not advised to be practiced at large for it is regarded as extremely dangerous. It is applied to putrefied ulcers, wounds, and haemorrhoids, being desiccative and corrosive.
On the nervous system,
seeds powder boiled with milk have a
powerful aphrodisiac and tonic action. However, this
property is not of much use and the seeds are included in oily preparations and embrocations for irritative stimulation of the
relative organs.
Compound Preparations
Tila-i-Urusak (both white and red varieties seeds), Roghan ‘Ajeeb.
Dosage
In suitable base, in external application approximately 60-180 mg.
Corrigent
Alhagi maurorumMedic. (Turanjbin), Fresh coriander.
Tenedium
Psoralea corylifoliaLinn., and both varieties for each other are tenedium (red for white and vice versa).
Comments
According to the color of seeds, there are three varieties: red (which is mentioned here), white and black. Purulent ophthalmia (in some specific eye disorders) is caused by seeds powder that is used as collyrium therefore only experienced Hakims with great care administer it. A substitute for liquorice root has been referred to be used but, because of toxic manifestation this use does not seems justified.