GUNJA.pptx

Gunja is one of the Sthavar Visha. In ayurveda this is classified in upvisha. Abrin is the component which is poisonous. in this presentation, Abrus Habitat , synonyms, its treatment, sodhana, signs and symptoms, external applications medicolegal aspects has been mentioned.

1. GUNJA PRESENTED BY DR POOJA PRASAD PG SCHOLAR AGAD- TANTRA

2. Type of poison- Organic irritant poison Botanical name- Abrus precatorius Family- Fabacea Vernacular names Hindi – G unja English- I ndian liquorice, jequirity, rosary bead, ratti.

3. Synonyms रक्तिका , रक्ता , ताम्रिका , शीतपाकी Toxic part Seed Habit A deciduous, slender, twining, climber with slender flexible branches, stem attaining 4-5 m height.

4. Description Leaves - compound feather like with 10-15 pairs of narrow leaflets, 1-2.5 cm long. Flowers- long, pink, purple , yellowish or whitish, clustered. Seeds - 3-6 ovoid, 7.5 cm long, scarlet with a black spot at the hilum, polished, average weight 120-125mg, present in a seed pod.

5. Habitat – Its is found all over the India. Rasa P anchaka : रस -तिक्त ,कषाय गुण - लघु ,तीक्ष्ण ,रुक्ष वीर्य -उष्ण विपाक -कटु Toxic chemical constituents- Abrin , Abrine , Abralin .

6. Signs and Symptoms Internal administration When the seeds are swallowed raw or after cooking they are not poisonous. Seeds must be crushed or chewed for harmful effects to occur. Symptoms may be delayed from a few hours to 2-3 days when given orally. they include severe irritation of upper GIT , abdominal pain , nausea , vomiting , bloody diarrhea , weakness , cold perspiration , trembling of the hands , weak rapid pulse , rectal bleeding , tachycardia , headache , dilated pupils , hallucinations , drowsiness , tetany and circulatory collapse .

7. External applications The seeds alone or mixed with D hatura, Opium and onion are worked with a small quantity of spirit into paste, which is made into spikes or suis and then hardened in the sun. These sharp pointed spikes which weigh on an average 90-120 mg are then placed in a wooden handle and thrust with great force into the skin of the animal intended to be killed. For homicidal purpose the spike is kept between two fingers and is pushed into the skin while slapping a person.

8. The symptoms resembles those of viper snake bite. When extract of seeds is injected under skin of the animal it results in a local lesion, characterized by edema, necrosis and oozing of hemorrhagic fluid from the puncture site. The animal becomes apathetic and drowsy. Its is disinclined to take food. In 3-4 days its unable to move , drops down, becomes comatose and dies . Convulsion may precede death.

9. Human poisoning is characterized by a local painful swelling and ecchymosis, followed by necrosis. Fatal dose- 90-120 mg by injection 1-2 crushed seeds by mouth Fatal period- 3-5 days

10. Treatment 1- gastric lavage 2- activated charcoal 3-Purgative 4- dissecting out the sui and injection of anti- abrin

11. Post mortem appearance The injured site is swollen, inflamed and necrosed . Fragments of sui are usually found in wound. Internal organs are congested and hemorrhagic. Mucous membrane of the stomach and intestine is highly congested with numerous hemorrhagic patches on its surface.

12. Medico-legal importance Most of the cases are accidental like consumption of attractive seeds by children Suis are used to kill cattle either to produce cheap hides or for revenge For homicide, the needle is kept between fingers and giving a slap which drives the needle into the body. The used of abrus as an arrow poison is unknown malingers use the powdered seeds to produce conjunctivitis.

13. Method of shodhana Gunja seeds are tied in a pottali to do dolayantra swedana with kanjika as liquid media for three hours. The external cover is removed, washed with warm water, dried well and used.

14. औषध योग : गुन्ज्याध्यातैल ,गुन्जाजीवनरस , गुन्जाभद्र रस Therapeutic dose- बीज चूर्ण 1/2- 1 1/2 रत्ती