FolkKB

Crab's Eye

Abrus precatorius

Abrus precatorius is a member of the Fabaceae family used extensively in various traditional medicinal practices, including those documented in Tanzania. It is traditionally applied to address a wide range of conditions such as cough, fever, malaria, convulsions, colic, and eye complaints, as well as serving as an expectorant, vermifuge, and anodyne. Preliminary scientific studies suggest potential anticancer properties, with certain leaf extracts showing cytotoxicity against HepG2 liver cancer cells, though results vary across different cell lines. Additionally, research indicates its utility in synthesizing nanoparticles with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
cough · colic
Traditions
traditional · TCM
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • colic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • convulsion traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • chest complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cold traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • malaria TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • expectorant TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bladder complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cns sedative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • conjunctivitis traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that bimetallic Ni-Fe nanoparticles synthesized using Abrus precatorius showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic properties. D PMID
  • The study found that 97 Fabaceae species, including Abrus precatorius, are traditionally used to treat human ailments in Tanzania. A PMID
  • The study identified potential anticancer compounds in A. precatorius leaves and found varying sensitivity among cell lines. D PMID
  • The ethyl acetate fraction (F1) of Abrus precatorius showed higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells compared to the standard, suggesting potential for liver cancer treatment. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Crab's Eye?

Crab's Eye (Abrus precatorius) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Crab's Eye traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Crab's Eye for: cough, colic, convulsion, chest complaints, cold, eye complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Crab's Eye?

Crab's Eye appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Crab's Eye?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Crab's Eye; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that bimetallic Ni-Fe nanoparticles synthesized using Abrus precatorius showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic properties.

How strong is the evidence for Crab's Eye?

The strongest finding for Crab's Eye carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Crab's Eye safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Crab's Eye in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Crab's Eye interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Crab's Eye in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Crab's Eye?

Crab's Eye is also known as: Абрус молитвенный, Cascavelle.

Is Crab's Eye a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Integrative Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis of Abrus precatorius L. for hepatocellular carcinoma: experimental validation and insights. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ethnomedicinal Practices of the Fabaceae Family in Tanzania: A Systematic Review. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytoconstituents Analysis and In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Abrus precatorius Leaves on Cancer Cells. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Phyto-mediated synthesis of Ni-Fe bimetallic nanoparticles using Abrus precatorius for antioxidant, antimicrobial and photocatalytic dye degradation applications. literature abstract metadata

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