All about Abrus precatorius seeds are true, except
The plant is found all over India. Though all pas of the plant are poisonous, the seeds are commonly used as poison. They are of the size of a small pea and have an average weight of 120 mg. They are egg-shaped, having bright scarlet colour with a large black spot at one pole. Seeds may be white with black spot, all black, yellow or blue. The seeds contain an active principle abrin, a thermolabile toxalbumin and its actions resemble those of viperine snake bite with intense local symptoms and haemorrhages followed by general symptoms. In addition to this, seeds contain poisonous proteins, fat-splitting enzymes, abrussic acid, haemagglutinin and a quantity of urease. Ref: Krishan Vij textbook of forensic medicine, 5th edition pg : 477
Also called Indian liquorice
Active principle is N-methyl tryptophan
Inhibits protein synthesis of cells
Symptoms resemble cobra snake bite
Poisoning