GUNJA (Abrus precatorius)

Gunja (Abrus precatorius) is a slender, perennial climber known for its bright red seeds with a black spot, often referred to as “rosary peas.” Belonging to the Fabaceae family, Gunja is known for its potent medicinal and toxic properties. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is used in extremely minute quantities for treating various ailments like hair fall, skin diseases, and nervous disorders, after undergoing a specific detoxification process called shodhana.

Gunja Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Abrus
Species: Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius Common Name

English: Rosary Pea, Jequirity
Sanskrit: Gunja, Raktika
Hindi: Ratti, Chirmi
Tamil: Kunni
Telugu: Gurivinda
Malayalam: Kunni kuru
Marathi: Gunja
Kannada: Gulaganji

Abrus precatorius Uses

Hair and Scalp Health - Used externally in medicated oils to promote hair growth and manage alopecia.

Neurological Disorders - Known for its nervine tonic effects in minute, processed doses, Used in Ayurvedic formulations for conditions like epilepsy and paralysis.

Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Health - Considered an aphrodisiac in classical texts, Used to stimulate libido and treat male infertility.

Skin Diseases - Applied topically for leucoderma, eczema, and other dermatological issues.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - Seed and leaf extracts show anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in various traditional uses.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. III. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Gunjaadi Varga – Commentary by Sri Brahmashankara Mishra.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

M. P. Sharma, R. Yelne, T. J. Dennis. (2002). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda. CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH.

Singh, S., & Pandey, S. (2012). "Toxicological and pharmacological profile of Abrus precatorius L.: A review." International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 3(6), 1614–1621.

Bhalla, T. N., & Gupta, M. B. (1970). "Pharmacological investigations on Abrus precatorius." Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2(1), 7–12.

World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3.