Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Abrin, Abric acid (Abrusic acid), Haemagglutinin, Urease, Globulin, Albumose, Protein (similar to Ricin); Glycyrrhizin 9% in roots; Roots also contain Glycyrrhizin and Abrin
- Also Known As
- English: Jequirity, Indian Liquorice, Rosary Pea, Crab's Eye
Sanskrit: गुंजा, गुञ्जा, शिखण्डी, कृष्णला, रक्तिका, चूडामणि
Hindi: गुंजा, रत्ती, घुंघची
What is Gunja?
You may have seen Gunja without knowing it: bright red seeds with a black spot, strung into necklaces and once used by goldsmiths as weights. Those same pretty seeds contain abrin, a highly toxic protein similar to ricin. Gunja is a plant where beauty, history and real danger sit side by side.
Gunja is known in English as Jequirity, Rosary Pea, Crab's Eye or Indian Liquorice, and botanically as Abrus precatorius Linn. The Bhavaprakasha describes it as a twining plant with compound leaves of small leaflets. It has two varieties: red-seeded (Rakta Gunja) and white-seeded (Shveta Gunja), and the white one is considered more useful medicinally. See White Gunja.
The leaves and roots taste sweet like liquorice because they contain glycyrrhizin, and the root was used as a liquorice substitute. In Ayurvedic pharmacy the seed is also a standard unit of weight: the Sharangadhara Samhita defines one Gunja, or Ratti, as about 125 mg.
Benefits of Gunja
Gunja has a short list of classical uses, and each is tied to a specific plant part. The seed is the toxic part; the leaf and root were used differently. Any medicinal use belongs with a qualified practitioner.
Hair and Patchy Hair Loss
The Bhavaprakasha lists Gunja as good for hair (Keshya) and as a remedy against patchy hair loss (Indralupta-nashaka). The seed paste is applied externally to the bald patches. Read more in Gunja for hair loss and on the hair loss page.
Skin Conditions
The same seed paste was applied externally on skin diseases. This is an external, supervised use only.
Cough and Colds
The leaves were used in cough and cold and as a sweetener. Their sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin.
Eyes
Gunja is classed as good for the eyes (Chakshushya), which links it to eye disorders in our knowledge graph. Our sources give no detail on how this was applied, so do not experiment.
Vata Balance and Vitality
It is classed as relieving Vata (Vatahara), the dosha of air and movement, and as an aphrodisiac (Vrishya). Its bitter and astringent taste, light and dry qualities and heating potency (Ushna Virya) shape this profile.
How to Use Gunja
Gunja is not a herb to use on your own. The seeds are highly toxic if swallowed, and even the classical leaf and root uses are best left to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed paste (external) | Determined by a qualified practitioner | Patchy hair loss, skin diseases | Applied to the area only as directed |
| Leaf juice | Practitioner-determined | Cough, cold | Only within supervised treatment |
| Root powder | Practitioner-determined | Used as a liquorice substitute | Only within supervised treatment |
| Seeds by mouth | Never for self-use | Not applicable | Never |
In classical formulas
Gunja appears as one ingredient among many. The Charaka Samhita includes it in an equal-parts powder for thigh stiffness (Urustambha), and in a seven-herb decoction in the chapter on Jimutaka preparations.
Gunja as a measure
Many classical recipes are written in Gunja units. The Sharangadhara Samhita sets one Gunja at about 125 mg and directs that some pills be made the size of a Gunja seed. When a text says "one Ratti", it means this weight, not the seed itself.
Safety & Side Effects
Gunja seeds are among the most toxic plant materials in the classical pharmacy. Respect them.
Why the seeds are dangerous
- Abrin: the seeds contain abrin, a potent toxalbumin (toxic protein) similar to ricin.
- Internal toxicity: the Bhavaprakasha cautions that the seeds are highly toxic if taken internally.
- Roots too: our sources note that the roots contain abrin as well as glycyrrhizin, so the root is not automatically safe either.
Practical precautions
- Do not swallow, chew or crush the seeds.
- Keep seed jewellery and loose seeds away from children and pets.
- Use external seed paste only under a qualified practitioner.
Interactions and contraindications
Our sources do not list specific drug interactions or contraindications. That gap is not a green light. Avoid self-use entirely.
If seeds are swallowed
Treat it as a medical emergency. Contact emergency services or a poison control centre right away, even if the person feels fine.
Recommended: Start Here
With Gunja, the right starting point is a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, not a purchase. The seeds are highly toxic, and the classical external and internal uses all call for expert judgement.
If you came here for patchy hair loss, a practitioner can tell you whether Gunja paste suits your case. Meanwhile, the safe side of hair care is open to you today: a cooling hair oil made with Bhringaraj.
If you are curious about the plant itself, a Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic materia medica) reference explains how classical physicians handled toxic herbs and why Gunja became a unit of weight.
Find a Dravyaguna Reference Book on Amazon ↗ Bhringaraj Hair Oil ↗
Safety: If anyone swallows or chews Gunja seeds, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Gunja vs Other Herbs & Supplements
People usually compare Gunja with its white variety, with true liquorice, or with other hair herbs. Here is how they line up in our sources.
| Comparison | Gunja | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunja vs White Gunja | Red-seeded variety | White-seeded variety, considered more useful medicinally | Same species and same toxic seed protein. The choice is a practitioner's. |
| Gunja vs Licorice | Root contains glycyrrhizin and was used as a liquorice substitute, but also contains abrin | True licorice, used for cough, sore throat and the voice | For a sweet, soothing root, choose real licorice. "Indian Liquorice" is not a safe swap. |
| Gunja vs Bhringaraj | Heating seed paste for patchy hair loss, supervised only | Cooling herb used for hair, suited to the common hot pattern | Bhringaraj is the everyday hair herb; Gunja is a targeted, supervised remedy. |
| Gunja vs Bakuchi | Seed paste on bald patches | Also listed for patchy hair loss, applied as an oil | Both are strong external remedies that need guidance. |
Gunja for Specific Populations
Our sources give little population-specific guidance for Gunja, so caution is the rule. Nobody should take the seeds by mouth.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid. There is no guidance in our sources supporting any use of this toxic plant during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Children
Avoid, and keep the seeds out of reach. Bright red seeds and seed necklaces attract children. The Sharangadhara Samhita does use "one Raktika" (one Gunja weight, about 125 mg) as the measure for medicine in a baby's first month, but that is a unit of weight for other medicines, not a dose of Gunja.
Elderly
Our sources give no specific guidance. Any use, internal or external, should be decided by a qualified practitioner.
Athletes
Our sources describe no performance use. Gunja is not a supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rosary pea the same as Gunja?
Yes. Rosary pea, jequirity, crab's eye and Indian liquorice are all English names for Abrus precatorius, called Gunja in Sanskrit and Ratti or Ghunghchi in Hindi.
What is a Ratti?
It is a classical unit of weight based on the Gunja seed. The Sharangadhara Samhita sets one Gunja at about 125 mg, equal to four Yavas (barley grains). Goldsmiths also used the seeds as weights.
Why is Gunja called Indian liquorice?
Its leaves and roots taste sweet because they contain glycyrrhizin, the same sweet compound found in liquorice. The root was used as a substitute, but it also contains abrin, so it is not a safe stand-in for real licorice.
Why does Gunja appear in classical texts so often?
Partly as medicine and partly as a reference. The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita use the red Gunja seed as a colour comparison, for example describing pure blood as resembling gunja fruit. The Sushruta Samhita also mentions wearing it as an amulet.
Is a Gunja seed necklace dangerous?
The seeds are highly toxic if swallowed. Keep them away from children and pets, and seek emergency care if a seed is chewed or swallowed.
How to Use Gunja by Condition
Explore how Gunja is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Pure blood resembles heated red gold, firefly, red lotus, lac resin, or gunja fruit in color.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय)
Sharngeshta (gunja), madana, danti, fruits (seeds) of vatsaka, vacha, murva, aragwadha, paatha, karanja and kulaka (karavellaka) – all these ingredients taken in equal quantities should be made into a powder.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 27: Thigh Stiffness Treatment (Urustambha Chikitsa / ऊरुस्तम्भचिकित्सा)
In color, artava (menstrual blood) should be red like gunja fruit, red lotus flower or mahavara or red as indragopaka insect, such artava is considered as normal menstrual blood.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Powder form with seven-herb decoction: Aragvadha, Vrukshaka, Svadukantaka, Patha, Patala, Gunja, and Murva.
— Charaka Samhita, Kalpa Sthana — Pharmaceutical Preparations, Chapter 2: Pharmaceutical Preparations of Jimutaka (Jimutaka Kalpa Adhyaya / जीमूतककल्प अध्याय)
Pure blood formation requires proper diet aligned with place, time, and individual constitution Blood vitiation causes: excessive salt/sour, incompatible foods, daytime sleep, urge suppression, anger, autumn season Pure blood characteristics: resembles heated red gold, firefly, red lotus, lac resin, gunja fruit Three progressive consciousness disorders: Mada (intoxication), Murchcha (syncope), Sanyasa (coma) Mada and murchcha are self-limiting;
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Ch. 24
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 27: Thigh Stiffness Treatment (Urustambha Chikitsa / ऊरुस्तम्भचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा); Kalpa Sthana — Pharmaceutical Preparations, Chapter 2: Pharmaceutical Preparations of Jimutaka (Jimutaka Kalpa Adhyaya / जीमूतककल्प अध्याय); Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Ch. 24
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
One Gunja (Abrus precatorius seed, ~125mg) equals four Yavas.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
The Gunja seed (~125mg) is a fundamental standard weight in Ayurvedic pharmacy.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
From the Gunja measure up to the Kudava, the measurement for liquid, moist, and dry substances is considered equal (the same weight applies).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
In the first month of a child's life, one Raktika (1 Gunja = ~125mg) of medicine should be given.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 6: Aharadigatikathanam (Description of Food Processes etc.)
Pills the size of a Gunja (Abrus precatorius seed, approximately 125 mg) should be made.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions); Purva Khanda, Chapter 6: Aharadigatikathanam (Description of Food Processes etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
One should wear (as amulets) Kakadani, Chitraphala, Bimbi, and Gunja (Abrus precatorius).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha
One should also wear Lamba, Gunja (Abrus precatorius), and Kakadani as amulets.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 34: Shitaputanapratishedha
Then from below, resembling Gunja (Abrus) seeds in color, mixed with feces or without feces, with or without odor, it is expelled with difficulty.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 40: Atisarapratishedha
Piles (haemorrhoids), having their origin in the vitiated condition of the blood resemble the sprouts of the Vata tree in shape and are of the colour of red coral, or the seeds (dark red) of Gunja berry.
— Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 2: Arsas Nidanam - Haemorrhoids (Piles)
The Kakanaka type is characterised by a dark red and black colour and like the seed of the Gunja berry.
— Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 5: Kushtham Nidanam - Cutaneous Affections (Skin Diseases)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 32: Putanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 34: Shitaputanapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 40: Atisarapratishedha; Nidana Sthana, Chapter 2: Arsas Nidanam - Haemorrhoids (Piles); Nidana Sthana, Chapter 5: Kushtham Nidanam - Cutaneous Affections (Skin Diseases)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.