Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Abrins; Abrus precatorius, seeds; Agglutinin; Crab's Eyes; Indian licorice seed; Jumble bead; Prayer bead; Toxalbumin; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Yellowish-white solid; [Merck Index] The seed is red with a black spot at one end; [Reference #1]
Sources/Uses
A natural poison found in the seeds of Abrus precatorius (the rosary pea or jequirity pea); Similar, but much more toxic than ricin; On the list of toxins having the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety (Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002); Used experimentally in cancer research; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause pulmonary edema; Emergency treatment: "Plants-toxalbumins"; [HSDB] Adverse effects after ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, hallucinations, seizures, and injury to the liver and kidneys; [Reference #1] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Ricin."
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.