Jequirity Bean (Crab's Eyes, Indian Licorice, Rosary Pea)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Abrus precatorius
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Seeds/beans
Chemicals this herb contains:
Abric acid
Abrive
Glycyrrhizin
Hemoglutin
N-methyltryptophan
Toxalbumin abrin

KNOWN EFFECTS

Toxalbumin in seed causes cell destruction.

Miscellaneous information:
No longer used therapeutically. Causes toxic reactions with ingestion. Common weed in Florida, Central America and South America.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Is used as drops for eye problems.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits for ANYONE. Don't use. Swallowing even one bean can cause toxic symptoms hours or even days after eating.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.

For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side
Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS