Synopsis

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

Abrus, particularly Abrus precatorius (commonly known as jequirity, rosary pea, or crab's eye), has a history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine in parts of Asia and Africa. It has been traditionally used for a variety of ailments, including anemia, where the seeds or leaves are sometimes included in formulations intended to "build blood" or treat symptoms of weakness and pallor. The rationale in traditional medicine is often based on the doctrine of signatures or empirical observation, rather than rigorous scientific study.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of Abrus for anemia is extremely limited. There are no well-conducted clinical trials or robust animal studies demonstrating that extracts or preparations from Abrus effectively treat anemia or stimulate hematopoiesis. Additionally, the seeds of Abrus contain abrin, a highly toxic protein, and are considered dangerous if ingested without proper processing, which poses significant safety concerns. Some traditional preparations claim to detoxify the seeds, but these claims are not substantiated by modern pharmacological research. Given these facts, the use of Abrus for anemia is primarily justified by tradition, not by scientific validation.

In summary, while Abrus has traditional use for anemia, there is little to no scientific evidence to support its efficacy or safety for this purpose, and its toxicity further complicates its use.

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