Authors: Sophanna K. Yong PharmD, Lana
Dvorkin PharmD, Julia Whelan MS
Overview
Shrub or small tree up to
20' high. Reddish to purple color. Palmate
leaves with blue gray blooms. Grown
as an ornamental and houseplant. Seeds
are in pods with spines. Has been used
medicinally in ancient India, China,
Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome,
the Americas, and in 17th century Europe.
Native to India and Africa.Tropical
and subtropical regions. The oil is
produced from cold pressing ripe seeds
of the castor plant. While the seeds
contain ricin (a toxic protein lectin),
the extracted oil does not. The taste
is bland, followed by a slightly bitter
and usually nauseating taste. Sometimes
flavored with cinnamon, peppermint,
or other flavorings to mask the unpleasant
taste. Besides therapeutic use, castor
oil has several commercial applications
as well (coating in fabrics, motor oil,
paints, based oil for soaps and laundry
detergents); oil extracted for these
purposes are poisonous.
Historical Uses
The ancient Egyptians have
used it to induce uterine contractions
and as a lamp oil. They also purged
their systems three times a month by
drinking the oil mixed with beer. The
Chinese have applied crude oil topically
to hasten birth or expel the placenta.
Castor oil has also been used alone
or with quinine sulfate to induce labor
at term, and applied topically as a
vaginal contraceptive. The oil has also
been used for its laxative effect. Headache.
Root and leaf poultices are used in
traditional medicine to treat wounds.
Also used to promote lactation, dissolve
cysts, softens bunions, cervical abortifacient,
topical contraceptive, anti-inflammatory,
and to sooth eyes.
Distribution
Native to India and Africa.
Tropical and subtropical regions including
Central and South America.
Active Ingredients
Glyceride, ricinoleic acid
has a laxative effect and stimulates
peristalsis. It can cause reduction
of net resorption of fluids and electrolytes.
The seeds contain 45-50% oil. The oil
is composed of a mixture of triglycerides
(75-90% is ricinoleic acid). Phytotoxins
such as ricin and ricinine are present
in the seed and oil. Cold pressing or
steam is used to denature the toxins.
Proven Scientific Evidence
Analgesia - Castor
oil was found to be significantly better
than ultrasound gel and Vaseline in
reducing the pain of extracorporeal
shock wave application in the treatment
of tendinosis calcerea and plantar heel
spur (1). Bowel preparation - Castor oil
was found to be as safe and effective
as senna in patients undergoing colonoscopy
(2). Another study concluded that senna
liquid preparation was superior to castor
oil in terms of efficacy and tolerability
(3). Constipation - This is an FDA-approved
use for castor oil [Emulsoil®] (4).
Labor induction - Women who received
60mL of castor oil at 40 to 42 weeks
gestation had a 36-fold increased likelihood
of initiating labor within 24 hours
of ingestion (5). Pancreatic visualization - Contrast
medium containing polyethylene hydrogenated
castor oil produced more detailed information
about any deformity of the pancreas,
including defects in the small parenchyma
(6). Ulceration of oral mucosa - A
topical product with castor oil was
successful in treating an ulcerated
and necrotic mucosal area in one case
report (7).
In vitro studies show anti-tumor and
antimicrobial activity.
Dosage Information
Most effective when taken
on an empty stomach followed by a full
glass of water. Do not take at bedtime
due to its fast onset.
Adult: Typical doses of 15-60mL (lower
range used as purgative; higher end
used to induce labor).
Children (constipation): 2-12 years
old, 5-15mL; > 2 years old, 1-2mL
(up to 5mL).
Toxicities
Seeds are toxic and can
be fatal. General adverse effects include
abdominal discomfort, cramping, nausea,
chronic indigestion, faintness, dizziness,
eczema, and electrolyte loss (hypokalemia).
Interactions with cardioglycosides,
licorice, laxatives, diuretics, corticosteroids.
Contraindicated in intestinal obstruction
(appendicitis, Crohn's disease, irritable
bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis),
abdominal pain of unknown origin, biliary
tract obstruction, and other biliary
disorders.
Do not use in pregnant women who are
at term since it might induce premature
labor and induce miscarriage. Avoid
use during lactation.
Where Sold
Available throughout the
world for many purposes - medicinally
and commercially.
Ritual Use
Used to make amulets to
attract good fortune. Orisha worship
Orisha Belongs to Obatala and Odudua.
1. Maier M, Staupendahl,
Duerr HR et al. Castor oil decreases
pain during extra-corporeal shock wave
application [Abstract]. Arch Orthop
Trauma Surg 1999; 119:423-427.
2. Slanger A. Comparative study of a
standardized senna liquid and castor
oil in preparing patients for radiographic
examination of the colon [Abstract].
Dis Colon Rectum 1979; 22:356-359.
3. Strates BS & Hofmann LM. A randomized
study of two preparations for large
bowel radiology [Abstract]. Pharmatherapeutica
1987; 5:57-61.
5. Garry D. Figueroa R. Guillaume J.
Cucco V. Use of castor oil in pregnancies
at term [Abstract]. Altern Ther Health
Med 2000; 6:77-79.
6. Satake K, Kobayashi K, Tatsumi S
et al. Pancreatography with contrast
medium containing polyethylene hydrogenated
castor oil [Abstract]. Surg Gynecol
Obstet 1980; 150:198-202.
7. Noble TA, Carr DS, Gonzalez MF. Use
of trypsin, Peru balsam, and castor
oil spray on the oral mucosa: case report
and review of the literature [Abstract].
Pharmacotherapy 1989;9:386-388.
