A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Properties of Abrus precatorius L.

Background: Abrus precatorius L. (A. precatorius) is a valuable plant from the family Fabaceae which is a pea family. It is commonly known as Gunja or Jequirity, significantly found throughout India mainly Himalaya to Southern India and Ceylon. It is considered a poisonous plant due to the presence of abrin. Objective: A. precatorius has many pharmacological and biologically active constituents, such as alkaloids, glycosides and flavonoids situated in different parts of the plant. The objective of this review is to provide a retrospective study based on its anticancer potential. Results: Recent studies of A. precatorius are based on the isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of different secondary metabolites. These constituents possess significant cytotoxic properties against various cancer cell lines including breast, lung, liver, ovarian, prostate and leukaemia. A. precatorius is also reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, abortifacient, antioxidant, anthelmintic activity, antifertility, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. Conclusion: The present review summarizes the anticancer potential of A. precatorius and its constituents. However, extensive research is required to establish it as a potent chemotherapeutic agent.