RicinusCommunis01

Local names: Castor Oil, Huile Cawapat, Cawapate (Dominica), Huile de ricin (Martinique)

Toxicity: The phytotoxin ricinis composed of a variety of amino acids, has many of the poisonous characteristics of a bacterial toxin, is antigenic, and is heat labile in solution. It produces agglutination of defibrinated blood and of red blood cells in vitro.

Pure ricin is among the most toxic compounds known. One to four seeds, masticated and ingested internally is usually fatal among humans, although the ricin is not readily absorbed by the stomach or intestinal walls. The amount of poisoning is related to the amount of mastication of the seed ingested. In humans, the seeds produce a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Otherwise symptoms are similar to animals including Anorexia, cessation of rumination, abdominal pain, dullness, diarrhea, trembling, weakness, sweating, and incoordination.

Leaves, stems and unripe fruits are also poisonous, but do not contain the high concentrations of ricin that the seeds do. In certain tropical countries some persons have been accustomed to chewing on a castor-bean seed when in need of a laxative. This practice may be effective, but dangerous. The poisonous constituent is usually destroyed by heat when the oil is separated from the seeds. Avoid contact with plant juices on unprotected skin.

Medicinal: The Caribs have used it as a constituent for body paint and for hair dressing. It was used in a decoction with other plants as a massage oil, the leaves being heated and used as a compress for internal pain. It was also used as a tea with other plants after parturition, and also for gonorrhea.

Topical applications of castor oil remain popular with herbalists, naturopathic physicians and folk healers who use it in compresses called castor oil packs to treat various forms of blockage or excess in the body. The external application of the oils also said to be useful for hemorrhoids, boils, abscesses, and ringworm.