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Paternostererbse

Paternoster pea, also known as paternoster bean and crab eye vine, as well as by its Latin name Abrus precatorius, is a plant whose seeds and other parts of the plant are used as medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, women use the paternoster pea to speed up childbirth, induce abortion or prevent pregnancy. Paternoster pea is also used as a painkiller for terminally ill people. The whole plant is used to treat inflammatory swelling of the eyes.

How does paternoster pea work?

Paternoster pea contains abrin, which is toxic and prevents cells from growing or functioning normally. Paternoster pea also contains chemicals that may interfere with blood clotting, inhibit inflammation and relieve allergies.

How effective is the paternoster pea?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of paternoster pea when used to speed up childbirth, induce abortion, prevent pregnancy, relieve pain in terminally ill patients and relieve inflammation of the eyes. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of paternoster pea in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Paternoster pea is not safe and harmless as it contains a toxic chemical. Symptoms of toxicity include stomach cramps followed by severe diarrhea and vomiting, which may become bloody. Other symptoms include cold sweats, fever, weakness and rapid heartbeat. Symptoms may appear within a few hours or up to several days later. Death may occur after 3 to 4 days of persistent stomach problems and other symptoms. If the seeds come into contact with the skin, they can cause inflammation, irritation and serious eye problems.

Precautions and warnings

Paternoster pea is not safe for anyone, but some people should be especially careful:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: paternoster pea is not safe and harmless to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Children: Children are attracted to the bright colors of the seeds, which is unfortunate as children are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of paternoster peas. Children can die after swallowing just one seed. If contact with the paternoster pea is suspected, medical help should be sought immediately.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of paternoster pea with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of paternoster pea depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At present, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for paternoster pea. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Fernando C. Poisoning due to Abrus precatorius (jequirity bean). Anaesthesia 2001;56:1178-80.
  2. Kuo SC, Chen SC, Chen LH, et al. Potent antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic isoflavanquinones from the roots of Abrus precatorius. Planta Med 1995;61:307-12.
  3. Niyogi SK. Deadly crab's eye: Abrus precatorius poisoning. N Engl J Med 1969;281:51-2.
  4. Niyogi SK. The toxicology of Abrus precatorius linnaeus. J Forensic Sci 1970;15:529-36.
  5. Sullivan G, Chavez PI. Mexican good-luck charm potentially dangerous. Vet Hum Toxicol 1981;23:259-60.
  6. Wang JP, Hsu MF, Chang LC, et al. Inhibition of plasma extravasation by abruquinone A, a natural isoflavanquinone isolated from Abrus precatorius. Eur J Pharmacol 1995;273:73-81.