Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Abrus, typically referring to Abrus precatorius (commonly known as jequirity, rosary pea, or gunja), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha. Traditional healers have used various parts of the plant—especially seeds and leaves—in poultices and topical applications intended to promote healing of wounds, ulcers, and abrasions. The rationale in traditional practice often centers on purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, although specific mechanisms were not historically elucidated.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of Abrus preparations for treating abrasions. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest certain extracts from the plant may exhibit antimicrobial or wound-healing properties, these findings are preliminary and have not been substantiated in well-controlled human clinical trials. Importantly, Abrus seeds contain abrin, a highly toxic protein, and improper preparation can pose a serious risk of poisoning. Overall, the use of Abrus for abrasions is justified primarily by traditional knowledge, with scant and low-quality scientific validation to date. Clinical use should be approached with extreme caution due to toxicity concerns.

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