Physicochemical and acute toxicity study of gunja (Abrus precatorius) pericarp Dr. Gautam Dev Nath Singh* Associate Professor, Department of Rasa Shastra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: drdnsgautam@gmail.com
Online published on 21 August, 2018. Abstract The aim of the present research work was to carry out the effect of Shodhana on Gunja pericarps by using advanced analytical tools and acute toxicity study. Abrus precatorius Linn (Fabaceae), is used widely in different Ayurvedic formulations with enormous therapeutic importance. The red varieties of Gunja seed's pericarps were subjected to Swedana in cow's milk and Kanji. The Ashodhita and Shodhita red Gunja pericarps were subjected to physicochemical and acute toxicity study. For the establishment of the effect of Shodhana, the percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, total protein and successive extractives were carried out on Ashodhita and Shodhita red Gunja pericarps. The acute toxicity study was carried out as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines 423. In acute toxicity study, the intraperitoneal dose of Ashodhita (unpurified) and Shodhita (purified) red pericarps of Gunja was administered to in a single dose and general behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were determined up to 72 h. The study showed that the percentage of total ash was reduced in Shodhita samples as compared to Ashodhita samples. The percentage of alcohol and water-soluble extractives in milk Shodhita pericarps were increased in all the samples, however, no significant variations were observed in Kanji Shodhita samples. In acute toxicity, Ashodhita red varieties of the pericarp of Gunja were found toxic whereas neither mortality nor any significant alteration in behavior was observed in the pericarp of milk and Kanji Shodhita Gunja. The study showed that Shodhana in Kanji is more effective. Top Keywords Gunja, Shodhana, Kanji, Pericarps, Toxicity. Top |