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Distinguishing features
The rosary pea is a slender twining vine with a woody base. It has pea-shaped pods , about 1-1.5 inches long. They split open when dry to reveal brilliantly scarlet small pea-shaped seeds with a small jet-black spot at the point of attachment to the pod. This feature is important in the identification of the seed.
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| Description. Abrus
precatorius is a perennial vine that grows to 10-20 feet and uses
other plants for support. Flowers are red to purple in
color. Fruit is a legume pod that produces ovoid red seeds with a
black spot at one end. |
| Geographic range.
Abrus precatorius is native to India and
was introduced to warmer regions of the world. It is now well
established in Florida and is used as an ornamental throughout North America. |
| Toxic principle.
Seeds contain abrin, a potent lectin, along with
other toxic compounds. |
| Toxicity. Toxins
are released only if the seed is chewed and swallowed. Other parts of
the plant are not poisonous and animals are not often poisoned.
However, poisoning is very serious as abrin is one of the most toxic
compounds known. As little as 0.00015% body weight will cause
fatality in humans. All animal species are susceptible. |
| Mechanism of toxicologic
damage. Abrin inactivates ribosomes,
inhibiting protein synthesis. Abrin is not cell specific, but
rapidly dividing cells are most likely to be affected. |
| Diagnosis
Clinical
signs. Initial signs of GI dysfunction,
including excess salivation, colic, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration,
develop several hours after ingestion. Body temperature may rise
to 104° F. Hyperexcitability and convulsive seizures are seen
before death.
Lesions.
The mucosa of the digestive tract and urinary
bladder may have splotchy hemorrhages and ulcerations. Pulmonary
edema, congestion of various organs, and retinal hemorrhage may be
seen. Also common are mild to moderate hepatic and renal
tubular degeneration. |
| Treatment. Administration
of fluids and electrolytes will alleviate dehydration. |
