Utilization of The Saga Plant Abrus Precatorius L. in Indonesian Folk Medicine

Abstract

Saga or known by the Latin name Abrus precatorius L. belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a leguminosae plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions and has also been widely used for traditional medicinal practices. Saga is believed to be a plant that has natural properties and is important as a source of ingredients for making medicines to treat various diseases. Many pharmacological studies have been carried out which state that saga has various biological activities that can be act as anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-germ, anti-cancer, and so on. Parts of the saga plant in the form of leaves, roots and seeds can be used for natural medicine which has been carried out by many traditional people for generations. Part of the leaf blade contains triterpene compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, and glycyrrhizin. It is known that the saga plant also has an abrin compound which has a very dangerous toxic effect when consumed by humans. The review of this article aims to gather useful information regarding the saga plant so that it can be better utilized and empowered for the benefit of human beings.