ricinus communis

Ricinus communis is a medicinal plant commonly known as castor bean or castor oil plant. The primary bioactive components found in different parts of the plant include ricinoleic acid, ricin (a potent ribosome-inactivating protein toxalbumin), ricinine (an alkaloid), and various flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides. Traditionally, it has been used for its **laxative**, **anti-inflammatory**, **antimicrobial**, **antioxidant**, **analgesic**, **anticancer**, **antidiabetic**, **anthelmintic**, and **wound-healing** properties[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Its medicinal effects are exerted through various mechanisms, notably ricinoleic acid (from seed oil) acting as a potent purgative via stimulation of intestinal and uterine smooth muscle (prostaglandin EP3 receptor agonism)[5], as well as the direct anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of plant extracts and isolated components (such as ricin). The **castor oil** derived from the seeds is used safely internally and externally, whereas whole seeds are highly toxic due to ricin. Ricin itself has been explored as a protein toxin component for targeted cancer therapies (immunotoxins), but is notoriously poisonous if ingested or improperly handled[5].

Other names

castor beancastor oil plantPalma Christi