Abrin can be extracted from jequirity beans using a relatively simple and cheap procedure. This satisfies one criterion of a potential chemical warfare agent, although the lack of large scale production of jequirity seeds means that quantity is unavailable for ready mass production of abrin for weapons.

Can abrin be detected?

Among the currently used detection methods for abrin, antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) remain the standard technique, and are widely used to detect abrin in environmental and food samples.

Is abrin soluble in water?

Abrin is a water-soluble lectin. Abrin in powdered form is yellowish-white. It is a stable substance and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.