Jequirity seeds

Similar toxic RIPs are found in other plants. Examples are trichosanthin, a type I toxin from the root tubers of Trichosanthes kirilowii (Cucurbitaceae), abrin, a type II toxin from the small brightly coloured red and black jequirity seeds (Abrus precatorius Leguminosae/Fabaceae), and viscumin, a type II toxin from the leaf and stems of mistletoe (Viscum album, Loranthaceae). 

This toxic protein is contained in caster seeds but does not pass into the oil. Similar phytotoxins occur in croton seeds (Crotin) jequirity seeds (Abrin) the bark of the locust tree, Robinia pseudo-acacia (Robin) and in the seeds of some leguminous plants (Phasin). The last is but weakly toxic. Ricin is responsible for the toxic effects on eating castor seeds 5 or 6 of these are fatal to a child, 20 to adults, and 3 or 4 seeds may cause violent gastroenteritis with nausea, headache, persistent vomiting, colic, sometimes bloody diarrhea, thirst, emaciation, and great debility. The symptoms usually do not set in until after several days. More severe intoxications cause small frequent pulse, cold sweat, icterus, and convulsions. Death occurs in 6 to 8 d, from the convulsions or from exhaustion. The fatality rate is about 6%. This low fatality rate is due to the destruction of the poison in the alimentary canal. The treatment would be evacuant and symptomatic. Usually, 3 to 10 d are required to complete recovery. 

Few animal studies exist on the toxicity of orally administered abrin. The majority of reports indicate jequirity seed poisoning in humans, which is discussed later in the chapter. 

The human fatal dose of abrin via parenteral routes has been estimated to be approximately 0.1-1 JLg/kg based on case reports of accidental or intentional ingestion. No serious toxic effects were observed in terminal cancer patients treated with as much as approximately 0.3 p,g/kg (i.v.) abrin (Dickers et al., 2003). As with ricin, however, most documented cases of abrin poisoning in humans have involved chewing or swallowing A. precatorius (jequirity) seeds, a route of exposure that is much less dangerous and which predominantly causes GI toxicity (Gunsoulus, 1955 Hart, 1963 Davis, 1978 Fernando, 2001). 

Delayed-action cytotoxins that inhibits protein synthesis (ribosomal inactivating protein). They are obtained from the seed of the Jequirity beans plant (Abrus precatorius). Typically yellowish-white powders that are insoluble in distilled water but soluble in salt water. They are fairly heat stable. 

Abrine (I), the A7tl-methyl derivative of L-tryptophan, occurs in the seeds of the jequirity (Abrus precatorius L.) (12, 13) so far it has not... 

Abrin is a plant source Type 2 RIP. It is found in Abrus precatorius (rosary pea, Indian licorice, jequirity bean). The toxicology of abrin is considered to be very similar to ricin. A similar Abrus toxin is pulchellin, produced by A. pul-chellus (Millard and LeClaire, 2008). The rosary pea has been reported to be more toxic than castor beans (Griffiths et al, 1994). Species sensitivity is variable and horses are considered to be the most sensitive. The mature goat is considered to be a more resistant species and 2 g of seed/kg body weight is reported as a lethal dose. The lethal dose for cattle is reported at 600 mg of seed/kg body weight. It is likely that abrin is denatured in the rumen (Burrows and Tyrl, 2001). 

Abrin is a plant toxin, which is closely related to ricin in terms of its structure and chemical properties. It is obtained from the seeds of Abrus pre-catorius (commonly known as jequirity bean or rosary pea ), a tropical vine cultivated as an ornamental plant in many locations. Jequirity beans are usually scarlet in colour with a black spot at one end (though less common different coloured varieties exist) and are approximately 3x8 mm in size. 

Toxin derived from the seeds of the Rosary pea or Jequirity bean (Abrus pecatorius). Powdered abrin is yellowish-white it is soluble in water and stable. Two glycoprotein chains acidic chain (30000D) - inhibits protein synthesis neutral chain (35 000D) - binds to cell wall and facilitates entry. Effects similar to ricin qv, but it is more toxic. 

Ingestion of only one castor or jequirity bean ha caused fatal poisoning when the beans were thoroughly chewed. If the beans are swallowed whole, poisoning is unlikely because the hard seed coat prevents rapid absorption. 

Abrin, crystalline Abrus precatorius seeds (jequirity beans)... 

Abrin is a natural poison found in the seeds of a plant called the rosary pea or jequirity pea (Abrus precatorius). It is similar to ricin, although it is about 75 times more poisonous. Like ricin it is referred to as a toxalbumin, destroying ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis, leading to cell death and tissue damage. Abrin has some potential medical uses, such as in treatment to kill cancer cells. To date, abrin is not known to have been used as a terrorist weapon although, like ricin, its highly toxic nature lends itself well to this purpose. 

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