Studies on the active principle from Abrus precatorius L. Leguminosae seed kernels

Chemical Warfare Agents and Risks to Animal Health

“…A high concentration was also found in the bone marrow (Godal et al, 1984). In rats, abrin is distributed primarily to the liver (12%) and kidney (3%; Lin et al, 1971).…”

“…The ricin content of castor beans can vary from 1% to 10% (Balint, 1974). The abrin content in Abrus precatorius seeds is estimated at 0.15% (Lin et al, 1971). Toxicity and death have occurred with ingestions of one to two chewed beans of either plant.…”

The analysis of abrin in food and beverages

“…The highest level determined is 0.5% [35] but most values are below 0.25% [34,36,[53][54][55][56][57]. The higher toxicity of younger seeds is often referred to and is related to the greater malleability of the seed; however, there is an absence of data concerning the time frame over which the shell hardens and if there is a change in the activity of abrin as the seed ages.…”

“…A range of abrin concentrations have been determined in seeds [34][35][36][53][54][55][56][57] using a variety of extraction procedures [53]. The highest level determined is 0.5% [35] but most values are below 0.25% [34,36,[53][54][55][56][57].…”

Phytohemagglutinins (Phytolectins)

“…Using somewhat different techniques, both Lin et al (139,141) and Olsnes & Pihl (191) have isolated a toxic protein having a molecular weight of 65,000 . Like ricin, it is comprised of two polypeptide chains, one of which is responsible for its toxicity and the other fu nctions as a carrier moiety for binding the toxic chain to the surface of the cell (191,273).…”