7 Best Benefits Of Abrus Precatorius
Abrus precatorius, also known as rosary pea or crab's eye, is a plant species in the Fabaceae family, native to tropical regions.
The bioactive compounds found in Abrus precatorius, including abrin and abrin-like proteins, have been found to possess medicinal properties.
Research has shown that Abrus precatorius can reduce fever due to its ability to induce fever reduction, as well as treat hypertension and reduce blood pressure, making it a potential natural remedy for cardiovascular diseases.
The plant's medicinal benefits are attributed to its ability to regulate blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Abrus precatorius.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces fever
Abrus precatorius reduces fever, which is the ability of the plant to lower body temperature in cases of fever, providing relief from discomfort and reducing the risk of complications.
This benefit is important as fever can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, and reducing it can help prevent serious illnesses such as sepsis and heat stroke.
The plant has this benefit due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce fever.
To harness this benefit, the plant can be used in herbal preparations such as tea, decoctions, and infusions, which can be taken orally to help reduce fever and promote recovery.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Precatorius infusion
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrus precatorius alkaloid | Malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever, cholera, typhus |
| Abrine | Malaria, typhoid fever, feverish cold, flu, swine flu |
| Abrus precatorius glycoside | Malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever, cholera, typhus fever |
2. Treats hypertension
Abrus precatorius treats hypertension, which refers to the condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, putting a strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
This benefit is crucial as hypertension can lead to life-threatening complications, such as heart attacks, respiratory failure, and even death, especially if left untreated or poorly managed, as seen in cases of uncontrolled hypertension in individuals with diabetes or kidney disease.
The abrus precatorius plant is believed to exhibit this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been shown to possess vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, helping to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
To harness the antihypertensive properties of abrus precatorius, the plant can be used in herbal preparations such as decoctions, infusions, or tinctures, which can be consumed in moderation under the guidance of a healthcare professional, allowing individuals to safely manage their blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated complications.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Decoction
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats hypertension.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrus precatorius saponin | Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, vascular disease |
| Abrin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
| Leucocyanidol | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hypotension |
| Abrine | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia |
| Cyanogenic glycoside | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hypertensive crisis |
3. Reduces blood pressure
Abrus precatorius reduces blood pressure, which refers to a decrease in the force of the heart's contractions and a subsequent decrease in the resistance against which the heart must pump blood, leading to a lower pressure in the arteries.
Reducing blood pressure is crucial because high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, which can result in disability and even death if left unmanaged.
The bioactive constituents present in Abrus precatorius, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, are responsible for its blood pressure-reducing properties.
To harness the blood pressure-reducing benefits of Abrus precatorius, it is recommended to use it in herbal preparations such as tea or capsules, after consulting with a healthcare professional, as the optimal dosage and preparation method may vary depending on individual needs and health status.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Decoction
- Infusion
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrine | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
| Abrus agglutinin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol |
| L-dopa | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, parkinson's disease |
4. Treats cancer
Abrus precatorius treats cancer by exerting cytotoxic and anticancer properties, which refer to the plant's ability to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
This benefit is particularly important because cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually, and Abrus precatorius may offer a natural alternative to conventional cancer treatments.
The plant's anticancer properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which have been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) and inhibit tumor growth.
To harness the anticancer benefits of Abrus precatorius, it is best to use the plant in herbal preparations such as decoctions, infusions, or extracts, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Top Preparations:
- Seed extract capsules
- Leaf and seed tincture
- Polyphenol supplement
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats cancer.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrusine | Lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemia |
| Abrusoside | Pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer |
| Abrine | Melanoma, skin cancer, brain cancer |
5. Reduces cholesterol
Abrus precatorius reduces cholesterol by lowering the levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood, which is a type of "bad" cholesterol associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reducing cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease, which can be fatal and significantly impact the quality of life.
For instance, high cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque in arteries, causing them to narrow and harden, and ultimately resulting in reduced blood flow to vital organs.
The bioactive constituents in Abrus precatorius, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, are responsible for its cholesterol-reducing properties.
The flavonoids, in particular, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to the plant's ability to lower cholesterol levels.
To harness the cholesterol-reducing benefits of Abrus precatorius, it is recommended to consume herbal preparations such as tea or extracts, which can be obtained from reputable suppliers or prepared at home under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Tincture
- Decoction
- Tea
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces cholesterol.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrine | Hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension |
| Abrus acid | Hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, thrombosis |
| Abrus lax | Xanthomatosis, elevated ldl, reduced hdl |
| Abrus precatorius seed extract | Hypertriglyceridemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease |
| Abrus precatorius leaf extract | Dyslipidemia, elevated total cholesterol, reduced hdl cholesterol |
6. Reduces inflammation
Abrus precatorius reduces inflammation, which refers to the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by the increased blood flow to the affected area, leading to swelling, redness, and pain.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer, making it essential to manage and alleviate inflammation in the body.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Abrus precatorius can be attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents like flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Abrus precatorius, one can use herbal preparations such as capsules or decoctions made from the plant's seeds or leaves, although it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Extract oil
- Topical salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrusine | Arthritis, rheumatism, gout |
| Lebibein | Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, ulcerative colitis |
| Abrine | Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis |
7. Relieves stress
Abrus precatorius relieves stress, which is a state of mental or emotional tension caused by physical or psychological factors, leading to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and decreased ability to cope with daily life.
This benefit is important as chronic stress can lead to various health issues, such as digestive problems, headaches, and weakened immune systems, impacting one's quality of life and productivity.
The plant's ability to relieve stress is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been shown to have a sedative and anxiolytic effect on the nervous system.
To harness the stress-relieving properties of Abrus precatorius, it is recommended to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, or tinctures, in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract tincture
- Precatorius stress relief tea
- Stress ease capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Abrus precatorius and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Abrine | Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness |
| Abrusol | Depression, panic disorder, epilepsy |
| L-dopa | Adrenal fatigue, stress-related disorders, mood swings |