Basonym of Drug
Gunja
Main Synonym
- Kakanatika
- Raktika
- Uchhata
- Sweta
- Kakchinchi
- Raktika
- Kakadani
- Kakapilu
- Kakvallari
Regional Name
- Gujarati: Chanothi
- Hindi: Gamanchi
- Tamil: Gudumani
- Telugu: Guruvinda
- English: Abrus, Indian licorice root, Rosary pea
- Malayalam: Kunni
Botanical Name
Abrus precatorius
Family
Fabaceae
Classification (Gana)
- Aacharya Sushruta: Moola Visha
- Bhavprakash Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga
External Morphology
Perennial climber
Useful Parts
- Root
- Leaf
- Seeds
Important Phytoconstituent
- Precool
- Abrol
- Precasine
- Abrasine
- Trigonelline
- Abridine
Rasa Panchak
Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Action
Kaphavatahara
Therapeutic Indication
- Krimihara (anti-helmintic)
- Kanduhara (useful in itching)
- Keshya (good for hairs)
- Kusthaghna (useful in skin disorders)
Therapeutic Uses
- Visarpa - Leaf paste is useful to treat external inflammations and cellulitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Mukhpaka - Leaves paste is applied in mouth ulcers, it heals quickly.
- Darunaka - Oil of gunja seeds and bhringaraja is beneficial in dandruff.
Dose
- Seed powder: 60-150 mg
- Root and leaf powder: 1-3 gm
Formulations
- Gunjadhya Tailam
- Gunjabhadra Rasa
Adverse Effect
High internal intake of seeds causes stomach disturbance, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions.
Remedial Measure
Gastric lavage, and symptomatic treatment
Purification
Seeds are boiled in kanjika or milk for 3 hours