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Shodhana, Therapeutic Uses, and Pharmacological Activity of GUNJA in Ayurvedic medicine

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Gunja (Abrusprecatorius Linn.) sits at the intersection of the beautiful and the deadly. Its striking red and black seeds have adorned jewellery and temples across tropical Asia for centuries, yet those same seeds contain Abrin a toxalbumin so potent that even a trace dose can be fatal. That Ayurvedic physicians saw medicine here rather than merely danger speaks to the depth of their clinical tradition.Classified under UpavishaVarga (semi-poisonous drugs), Gunja appears across thirteen major classical texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, AshtangaHridaya, and BhavaprakashaNighantu with over 109 documented formulations addressing more than 30 disease conditions. This review covers its botanical identity, Rasa Panchaka (pharmacodynamic profile), Shodhana (purification) methodology, classical therapeutic indications, and contemporary pharmacological validation particularly in dermatology, neurology, and hair health.

Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21943829

Authors: Dr. Bishnupriya, Mohanty, Snezia Jenefer, Fernandes, Prof (Dr) Sangram, Keshari Das

Language: English

Topic: Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7203556535

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