Systematic review on Abrus precatorius Linn. since 1871: ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

Abrus precatorius also known as Abrus pauciflorus or Abrus minor is a medicinal plant that has been widely used in indigenous medicine, belonging to the family Fabaceae, widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions like India and China, commonly Known as Rosary pea, Crabs eye, Gunja, Indian Liquorice etc. It has been extensively used to cure diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, inflammation, malaria, tuberculosis etc. Since the 1870s multiple studies on different parts of the plant has been performed. The presence of various secondary metabolites like Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Alkaloids, Steroids have developed interest among researchers for this plant. It has been reported for various pharmacological activities like Anticancer, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antitubercular, hair growth promoting etc. This review, aim to systematically summarize the traditional uses, phytoconstituents and activity reported. All the articles from databases like Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar have been considered since 1871. Articles are collected from these databases until October 2022. Articles in English is only considered. Publications from peer-reviewed journals were only selected. Keywords used for the search are Abrus precatorius, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, Rosary pea, and Crabs eye. This review aims to provide references for further studies by finding the research gaps.