Gunja (Angaravalli, Bharngi)
About
Gunja, also known as Abrus precatorius, is a herb used in Ayurveda, also known as Indian licorice, Crab's eye, Jequirity, and Rosary pea. It's known for its toxicity and requires careful detoxification before medicinal use.
Botanical name: Abrus precatorius. Also known as: Abrus, Indian Licorice, Crab's eye, John Crow Bead, Abrus seed, Jeriquity Vine, Wild liquorice, Rosary pea, Weather plant, Paternoster pea, Gamanchi, Gunchi, Gaunchi, Rati, Kakadantika, Kakasahavaya, Shikhandika, Sheetpaki, Guruvinda, Guruginia, Gunj, Gunja, Kunch, Koonch, Chunhali, Chanothi, Gumchi, Gundumani.
Properties
Analgesic properties, Blood sugar regulation, Anti-tumor effects, Insecticidal, Antimicrobial
Dosage
Root & Leaf Powder: 1-3 grams. Seed Powder: 60-180 mg per day in divided doses. Some sources say not to exceed 250 mg per day. Internal Use (Highly Restricted): A decoction of the root, or in some cases seeds (post detox), is used at a dose of 125–250 mg, often with milk, honey, or ghee.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Visha-hara (Anti-toxic)
- Kushtaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
- Keshya (Promotes hair growth)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
Traditional uses
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Indralupta (Alopecia)
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Arsha (Hemorrhoids)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Boiling in Milk: Gunja seeds are tied in a cloth and suspended in cow's milk. The milk is boiled for 3 hours, ensuring the seeds remain immersed. Afterward, seeds are washed with hot water, dried, and preserved. Kanji (fermented liquid) can be used instead of milk.
- Boiling in Kanji Water: The seeds can also be boiled in brown rice water (Kanji) for 3-6 hours.
- Gunja Taila: Oil prepared from the seeds.
- Gunja Lepa: Topical paste.
- Gunja Churna: Used in some formulations after purification.
- Gunja Root Decoction: Sometimes used for uterine disorders.
Contraindications
- Raw, unprocessed Gunja is highly toxic and should never be ingested directly.
- All parts of the Gunja plant are considered poisonous.
- It should only be used under strict medical supervision by qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.
- Gastric and Peptic Ulcers
- Pregnancy
- Infancy
Side effects
- Unpurified Gunja is highly toxic
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Neurological disturbances
- Liver failure
- Fatal toxicity
- Anuria (anuresis) and heart disease
- Overdose of roots can cause vomiting
- It is best to avoid Gunja or medicines containing it during pregnancy, lactation, and in children below 5 years of age
Interactions
- Gunja may interfere with immunosuppressants, sedatives, or hepatotoxic drugs.
- Traditional texts caution its use with alcohol or heavy metal bhasmas.
- It may interact with antiplatelet, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic drugs.
- If accidentally ingested raw or improperly processed, emergency treatment is required which includes gastric lavage and activated charcoal.
- Consult a doctor if taking this product along with Western medicines or other supplements.
Active compounds
- Abrin
- Abrussic acid
- Glycyrrhizin
- Abrine
- Hypaphorine
- Choline
- Trigonelline
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids
- Phytosterols
- Pinitol
- Triterpene glycosides
Clinical evidence
While Abrus precatorius has been used traditionally, there's a lack of extensive, high-quality clinical trials to support its therapeutic uses. Ongoing research explores its potential in pain relief, diabetes, and cancer.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Visha-hara (Anti-toxic)
- Kushtaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
- Keshya (Promotes hair growth)
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
Classical clinical indications
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Indralupta (Alopecia)
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Arsha (Hemorrhoids)
Frequently asked questions
What is Gunja?
Gunja, also known as Abrus precatorius, is a herb used in Ayurveda, also known as Indian licorice, Crab's eye, Jequirity, and Rosary pea. It's known for its toxicity and requires careful detoxification before medicinal use.
What are the benefits of Gunja?
Visha-hara (Anti-toxic). Kushtaghna (Alleviates skin diseases). Keshya (Promotes hair growth)
How is Gunja used in Ayurveda?
Boiling in Milk: Gunja seeds are tied in a cloth and suspended in cow's milk. The milk is boiled for 3 hours, ensuring the seeds remain immersed. Afterward, seeds are washed with hot water, dried, and preserved. Kanji (fermented liquid) can be used instead of milk.
Published by herbs.directory