Description

Abrus precatorius, the rosary pea or jequirity, is a slender, twining perennial climber of the family Fabaceae, native to tropical and subtropical forests across South Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its distinctive seeds — brilliant red with a black hilum spot — have been widely traded as ornamental beads and for use in traditional weighing systems (the ratti measure used in Indian jewellery). The seeds contain abrin, a highly toxic lectin. In classical Ayurveda, the plant is known as Gunja, and strictly Shodhana-processed seeds are documented in formulations for hair care, skin conditions, and nervous system applications. The leaves are separately described as a source of preparations supporting blood conditions. Extreme caution governs their traditional and commercial handling.