Evidence supporting the use of: Abrus
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Abrus, most commonly referring to Abrus precatorius (jequirity, rosary pea), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia and Africa. Traditional healers have sometimes used preparations of Abrus leaves or seeds, often after detoxification processing, to treat bites and stings, including those from snakes and insects. The rationale behind its use may stem from its perceived anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or "drawing" properties. In Ayurveda and folk medicine, topical application of crushed leaves or poultices is documented for skin ailments and bites. However, the seeds of Abrus contain abrin, a highly toxic ribosome-inactivating protein, and are potentially lethal if ingested or improperly prepared, leading to severe poisoning or death.
There is currently no robust scientific evidence or clinical trials validating the efficacy or safety of Abrus in treating bites or stings. Some in vitro studies have examined extracts for anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity, but these do not directly support use for envenomation or venom neutralization. Therefore, while the use of Abrus for this purpose is rooted in tradition, it is not supported by scientific validation and carries significant risk due to toxicity. Modern medical guidance strongly advises against using Abrus preparations for bites and stings, emphasizing the danger of abrin poisoning.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Abrus
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acne
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Leprosy
Malaria
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Snake Bite
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores