Gunja

(Jequirity)
Sanskrit: गुंजा • Botanical: Abrus precatorius Linn.

Gunja (Abrus precatorius) is a well-known twining plant with red and black seeds used as weights by goldsmiths (1 seed = 1 Ratti). The plant grows up to 2000 feet altitude. The leaves are compound with small leaflets. There are two varieties - red-seeded (Rakta Gunja) and white-seeded (Shveta Gunja). The white variety is considered more useful medicinally. The leaves taste sweet like liquorice as they contain Glycyrrhizin. The seeds contain the highly toxic protein Abrin which is similar to Ricin. Root contains Glycyrrhizin (9%) and is used as a substitute for liquorice. Externally the seed paste is applied on alopecia (Indralupta) and skin diseases. The leaves are used in cough, cold, and as a sweetener. CAUTION: Seeds are highly toxic if taken internally in large doses - they contain Abrin which is a potent toxalbumin. Dose: leaf juice 1-2 tola; root powder 3-5 ratti.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Abrin, Abric acid (Abrusic acid), Haemagglutinin, Urease, Globulin, Albumose, Protein (similar to Ricin); Glycyrrhizin 9% in roots; Roots also contain Glycyrrhizin and Abrin
Also Known As
English: Jequirity, Indian Liquorice, Rosary Pea, Crab's Eye
Sanskrit: गुंजा, गुञ्जा, शिखण्डी, कृष्णला, रक्तिका, चूडामणि
Hindi: गुंजा, रत्ती, घुंघची

What is Jequirity / Gunja (गुंजा)?

Gunja (Abrus precatorius) is a well-known twining plant with red and black seeds used as weights by goldsmiths (1 seed = 1 Ratti). The plant grows up to 2000 feet altitude. The leaves are compound with small leaflets. There are two varieties - red-seeded (Rakta Gunja) and white-seeded (Shveta Gunja). The white variety is considered more useful medicinally. The leaves taste sweet like liquorice as they contain Glycyrrhizin. The seeds contain the highly toxic protein Abrin which is similar to Ricin. Root contains Glycyrrhizin (9%) and is used as a substitute for liquorice. Externally the seed paste is applied on alopecia (Indralupta) and skin diseases. The leaves are used in cough, cold, and as a sweetener. CAUTION: Seeds are highly toxic if taken internally in large doses - they contain Abrin which is a potent toxalbumin. Dose: leaf juice 1-2 tola; root powder 3-5 ratti.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Keshya (good for hair)
  • Chakshushya (good for eyes)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Indralupta-nashaka (cures alopecia)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Gunja by Condition

Explore how Gunja is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶
Gunja for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.