Are Rosary Peas Poisonous?
The Bottom Line
Abrus precatorius seeds (also known as rosary peas or jequirity beans) are distinctive-looking red seeds with a black spot that are occasionally used in jewelry and toys from foreign sources. The entire plant is toxic, and the seeds are highly toxic to humans.
What are rosary peas?
Abrus precatorius seeds (also known as rosary peas or jequirity beans) are shiny, scarlet-red seeds with a black spot. Some related varieties can come as a white seed with a black eye or a black seed with a white eye.
Where are rosary peas commonly found?
Abrus precatorius is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific region but has been introduced to other locations, including Florida and Hawaii. This plant is considered an invasive species in the US. The seeds from A. precatorius are commonly used in ornamental bracelets, jewelry, and children's toys made outside of the US.
Are rosary peas toxic when ingested?
The entire A. precatorius plant contains a protein (also known as a toxalbumin) called abrin, which is highly toxic to humans. Abrin, and its more infamous chemical cousin Ricin, cause poisoning by interfering with proteins in cells, resulting in cell death. Despite its toxicity, parts of the A. precatorius plant have been used as home remedies to treat certain illnesses. Most cases of human toxicity from abrin come from eating A. precatorius seeds. There is limited information on the minimum number of A. precatorius seeds that must be ingested to cause toxicity, so any ingestion (even 1 seed) must be considered potentially dangerous.
Signs and symptoms of rosary pea poisoning
Symptoms typically begin within a few hours after ingestion but can be delayed for up to 5 days. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea that can worsen and become bloody. Patients might also experience a fast heart rate, headache, hallucinations, lethargy, seizures, fever, and organ failure. There is no antidote for abrin poisoning, and hospitalization is often needed to manage the symptoms.
What to do if you or someone else has ingested a rosary pea
If you suspect someone is having symptoms from an Abrus precatorius exposure, check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.Diana N. Pei, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Know the names of the plants on your property in case one is unintentionally eaten.
- Do not eat outdoor plants or make teas from them unless they have been correctly identified and are known to be safe.
- Be cautious when purchasing foreign-made jewelry and toys that look like beads. They might contain A. precatorius seeds.
This Really Happened
An 18-month-old boy developed multiple episodes of vomiting and watery diarrhea for 2 days. While changing the boy's diaper, his parents found small red seeds with circular black tips. The parents took pictures of the seeds and contacted the boy's daycare center and pediatrician, who were unable to identify the seeds. Poison Control was contacted and identified the seeds as Abrus precatorius and advised that the boy be taken to an emergency room immediately. In the ER, the boy complained of mild abdominal discomfort, and he was given IV fluids and medication for nausea. The boy tested positive for blood in his diarrhea. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where his abdominal pain improved, but his bloody diarrhea persisted. Poison Control was consulted and recommended nothing by mouth for 8 hours and to continue hydration. The boy made a full recovery and was discharged 3 days later. The source of the A. precatorius seeds was never discovered (from Alhamdani et al., 2015).
For More Information
Arbus precatorius (rosary pea). Gardenia.net. Accessed April 16, 2025.References
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Know the names of the plants on your property in case one is unintentionally eaten.
- Do not eat outdoor plants or make teas from them unless they have been correctly identified and are known to be safe.
- Be cautious when purchasing foreign-made jewelry and toys that look like beads. They might contain A. precatorius seeds.
This Really Happened
An 18-month-old boy developed multiple episodes of vomiting and watery diarrhea for 2 days. While changing the boy's diaper, his parents found small red seeds with circular black tips. The parents took pictures of the seeds and contacted the boy's daycare center and pediatrician, who were unable to identify the seeds. Poison Control was contacted and identified the seeds as Abrus precatorius and advised that the boy be taken to an emergency room immediately. In the ER, the boy complained of mild abdominal discomfort, and he was given IV fluids and medication for nausea. The boy tested positive for blood in his diarrhea. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where his abdominal pain improved, but his bloody diarrhea persisted. Poison Control was consulted and recommended nothing by mouth for 8 hours and to continue hydration. The boy made a full recovery and was discharged 3 days later. The source of the A. precatorius seeds was never discovered (from Alhamdani et al., 2015).