Kundumani

Botany name : Abrus precatorius

Tamil name : Kundumani

Habit : Climbing shurb

Parts used : Roots, seeds, leaves.

Constituens : Seeds contain poisonous proteins and the roots contain glycyrrhizin.

Seeds are Abortifacient, Anodyne, Aphrodisiac, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hemostat, Laxative, Purgative, Refrigerant and Sedative. Vermifuge Paste of seeds is applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis . Seeds are highly poisonous . Roots are used for gonorrhoea , jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile . Powdered seeds are said to disturb the uterine functions and prevent conception in women. The oil extracted from seeds is said to promote the growth of human hair.