ricinoleic acid

Ricinoleic acid is a hydroxylated long-chain fatty acid primarily found in castor oil. It is the main active component released from castor oil by intestinal lipases and is responsible for its pharmacological effects. Ricinoleic acid acts as an agonist at prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype and EP4 subtype on smooth muscle cells of the intestine and uterus. Activation of these receptors leads to increased intestinal peristalsis (laxative effect) and uterine contractions[1][6][8]. Additionally, ricinoleic acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties when applied topically or systemically[3][4]. Its mechanism involves selective activation of EP3 and EP4 prostanoid receptors; it does not activate other prostanoid receptors such as IP, DP1/DP2, FP or TP[6][8].

Other names

(cis,R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid(Z,R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid12-Hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid12-Hydroxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid12-hydroxyoleic acidricinolic acidRicinolsäure