HERBAL MONOGRAPHS JEQUIRITY /435CONTRAINDICATIONS
Use of the drug for irrigation therapy is contraindicated in
the presence of edema resulting from reduced cardiac or
renal activity.^| PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb for infusions and
other galenic preparations for internal use.How Supplied: Forms of commercial pharmaceutical prepa-
rations include:
CapsulesDropsTabletsPreparation: To make an infusion (tea), pour 150 ml hot
water over the drug and strain after 10 minutes.4| Daily Dosage: The daily dosage ranges from 6 to 12 g drug.
Adequate fluid intake (at least 2 liters per day) is essential.Storage: Java Tea should be stored in a tightly sealed
container that protects it from light and moisture.LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Hiller K, Pharmazeutische Bewertung ausgewahlter Teedrogen.
In: DAZ 135(16):1425-1440. 1995.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Proksch P, Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miquel - der
Katzenbart. In: ZPT 13(2):63. 1992.
Steinegger E> Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.-^ Takeda Y et al., Orthosiphol D and E, minor diterpenes from
Orthosiphon stamineus. In: PH 33:411. 1993.
Teuber R, Neue Naturstoffe aus Orthosiphon stamineus
Bentham. In: Dissertation Universitat Marburg. 1986.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Jequirity
Abrus precatorius
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves, roots
and seeds.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are racemes of pink
blossoms. The fruit is a pod with oval seeds, which are
rounded at the ends. They are about 3 mm in diameter, hard,
red and glossy, with a large black dot at one end. One variety
has white seeds.
Leaves, Stem and Root: This deciduous climbing plant with
compound leaves grows to about 4 m.
Characteristics: The plant is a protected species in some
countries.Habitat: The plant originated in India and is found today in
all tropical regions of the world.
Other Names: Indian Licorice, Wild Licorice, Prayer Beads,
Crab's Eyes, Gunga, Goonteh, Rati
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Toxic lectins: abrine and isolectins.
EFFECTS
Jequirity is an irritant and abortifacient.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Jequirity was used for chronic conjunctivitis
and as a contraceptive in folk medicine, but is no longer used
for these purposes.Indian Medicine: Jequirity is used for coughs as well as
inflammations and conditions of the upper respiratory tract
and lungs.
Chinese Medicine: The drug is used in hepatitis and
bronchitis.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
The drug is very poisonous because it contains the toxic
lectin abrine and isolectins.
OVERDOSAGE
Severe poisonings among adults following the intake of one
half to two seeds, as well as cases of death among children
following the consumption of two seeds, have been recorded.
Besides gastrointestinal emptying, counter-measures include,
administration of large amounts of fluid, monitoring of the
circulatory system, administration of anti-epileptic drugs and
possibly artificial respiration.
LITERATURE
Desai VB, Rupawala EN, (1966) Ind J Pharm 29:235.