Abrus precatorius seeds

Tamil Name - விநாயகர் கண் - Vinayagar Kan

Hindi name : Rati
English name : Rosary Pea
Telegu name : Gumginja
Malyalam name: Kunnikkura
Kannada name : Gurgunn, Gulaganji

Description:

          Abrus precatorius is found to be containing a very powerful poison known as abrin, which is a protein similar to the ricin. The seeds are having a beautiful bright red color with the black spot on it. The chewed seeds are when swallowed this is very deadly. Each seed is about 8mm in length & 6mm in breadth with an average weight of 105mg. These seeds were used by the Indian goldsmiths for the purpose of weighing gold and silver.

         In India, the extract of the root of the plant is used for application to relieve eye diseases. The plant is also used in Ayurveda and is said to promote hair growth. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in Indian hair products. Abrus laevigatus (Shveta Gunjaa) is preferred to use for the same medicinal purposes as Abrus precatorius.