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Abrus precatorius, known commonly as Jequirity, Crab's Eye, Rosary Pea, 'John Crow' Bead, Precatory bean, Indian Licorice, Saga Tree, is a legume with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves. It is also known as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Their seeds are often used as beads and in percussion instruments. The seed contains the toxic poison abrin. Seeds are abortifacient, anodyne, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostat, laxative, purgative, refrigerant and sedative. Vermifuge paste of seeds is applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis. Seeds are highly poisonous. Roots are used for gonorrhoea, jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile. Powdered seeds are said to disturb the uterine functions and prevent conception in women. The oil extracted from seeds is said to promote the growth of human hair.
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