A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Jequirity, derived from the plant Abrus precatorius, is known for its significant medicinal properties, particularly in treating eye conditions like granular lids and ophthalmia.

It has a wide range of applications in both traditional and modern medicine, including treating ulcers and skin conditions like lupus and epithelioma.

JEQUIRITY

SOURCE INFORMATION

Common Names: Jequirity, Indian Liquorice
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius
Family: Leguminosae

Scientific Classification
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Abrus
  • Species: A. precatorius
Origin
  • Abrus precatorius is a climbing plant native to India, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • It has also been introduced to Western tropics, where it is used extensively for its medicinal properties.
Historical Facts
  • The seeds of Abrus precatorius are small, nearly globose, and scarlet with a black scar where they attach to the pods. They have been used traditionally in necklaces and as a weight standard called Raté.
  • The use of Jequirity in treating eye conditions was discovered by the natives of Brazil.
  • It has been traditionally used as a substitute for liquorice roots.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

  • Jequirity primarily acts on the conjunctiva of the eyes, causing inflammation that helps treat conditions like granular ophthalmia.
  • It also has significant effects on the skin and can be used to treat ulcers and various proliferative skin conditions.
  • Its action can provoke an intense inflammatory response that, when managed correctly, leads to the healing of chronic and severe conditions.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Ophthalmia: Effective in treating purulent and diphtheritic conjunctivitis.
  • Skin Conditions: Useful in conditions showing high cell proliferation like lupus and epithelioma.
  • Ulcers: Effective in treating indolent ulcers by promoting healthy granulation.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

EYES

  • Granular Ophthalmia: Jequirity induces a severe conjunctivitis to treat granular lids, leading to a significant reduction or elimination of granulations.
  • Conjunctival Inflammation: It can cause purulent or diphtheritic inflammation which may spread to the face, neck, and chest.

SKIN

  • Lupus and Epithelioma: Promotes healthy granulation and healing in these severe skin conditions.
  • Ulcers: Induces a rapid inflammatory response that forms a protective crust over the ulcer, facilitating healing.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS

  • Headache: Often accompanied by a fever and malaise.
  • Pains in Limbs: Generalized pain in the extremities.
  • High Fever and Pulse: Indicative of a strong systemic inflammatory response.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

  • Eye Treatment: 32 grains of powdered seeds soaked in 1000 grams of water, applied as an eye bath thrice daily.
  • Skin Ulcers: Emulsion made from 200 grains of decorticated beans, applied to ulcerated surfaces. This induces irritation and inflammation, forming a crust that facilitates healing.

MODALITIES

  • Worse: Intense inflammation can lead to erysipelatous inflammation and, in weak or irritable patients, significant constitutional disturbances.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Compare with

  • Ipecacuanha (Ipec.): Known for its effects on ophthalmia.
  • Kamala (Mallotus): Another effective remedy for tapeworm.

Antidotes

  • Acetic Acid (Acet ac): Can counteract the effects.
  • Coffee (Coff.): Another antidote for the remedy’s systemic effects.

DOSE

  • Form: Tincture or trituration of the seeds.
  • Administration: Typically prepared in lower triturations for homeopathic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jequirity used for?

  • It is primarily used for treating eye conditions like granular ophthalmia and skin conditions like lupus and epithelioma.

How is Jequirity administered?

  • It can be used as an eye bath or as an emulsion applied to skin ulcers.

What are the side effects of Jequirity?

  • Side effects include intense local inflammation, systemic fever, malaise, and high pulse.
  • It should be used cautiously, particularly in weak or irritable patients.

Can Jequirity be used for skin ulcers?

  • Yes, it is highly effective in promoting the healing of indolent ulcers.

Is Jequirity safe for everyone?

  • It should be used under medical supervision due to its potential to cause severe inflammatory responses.

Glossary of Difficult Words

  • Epithelioma: A type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells.
  • Granular Ophthalmia: A chronic form of conjunctivitis characterized by granulations on the eyelids.
  • Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease-causing inflammation and damage to various body tissues.
  • Ophthalmia: Severe inflammation of the eye.
  • Indolent Ulcers: Ulcers that are slow to heal and do not show signs of inflammation.
  • Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye.
  • Erysipelatous Inflammation: A type of acute infection causing a distinctive red, swollen, and hot area on the skin.
  • Trituration: The process of grinding a substance into a fine powder, often used in homeopathic preparations.