Phytomedicine Plus (Aug 2024)
Understanding the efficiency of Shodhana, a classical drug detoxification technique that may increase safety in using three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds-a toxic Schedule E1 drug used in various herbal formulations
Abstract
Background: Abrus precatorius L. is a noxious vein native to south east asia and popularly called as Gunja in Ayurveda. The seeds of this plant are considered as a potent raw drug used in various herbal formulations such as Gunjadi tailam, Gunjagarbha rasa etc. and used to treat various ailments such as dermal disorders, cysts, snake poisoning and may other conditions. Before utilizing for the herbal formulations, the seeds are classically processed due to the presence of well reported toxic protalbumin named Abrin with the human fatal dose of 0.1–1 µg/kg. Methods: In this work three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds (Red, White and Black) were collected from the southern part of India and subjected for the detoxification process in order to analyze the efficiency of technique on different varieties of seeds. For processing the seeds, the classically fermented supernatant of rice gruel named kanjika was prepared and the pH was analyzed. Before and after processing, the seeds were analyzed for phytoconstituents with histochemistry technique and the hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and qualitatively estimated for phytochemicals. The detoxification efficiency was analysed using HPTLC method by qualitative and quantitative estimation of Abrin levels by comparing with standard marker. Following that, cytotoxicity study was conducted against Vero (Healthy kidney) cell lines to ensure reduced toxicity in in-vitro conditions. Results: The process of Shodhana has changed the phytochemical levels in the processed seeds in comparison with unprocessed seeds in all three varieties. In connection to that, the extracts prepared with processed seeds have expressed lesser cytotoxicity and can be used as a drug with lesser side effects in whatever indications applicable. Conclusion: It is concluded that Shodhana with kanjika is efficient in processing all three varieties of Abrus precatorius seeds and is more effective in processing white seeds than the red and black varieties.
