​Ricinus communis (Castor Bean Plant)

Ricinus communis (Castor Bean Plant)

WARNING! The plant is poisonous!

Product Name: Клещевина обыкновенная, Ricinus communis, Wunderbaum, Ricino, Ricin, خروع, ปาล์มน้ำมันละหุ่ง, Kastor yog‘ochi, Май туурган, Gənəgərçək, Равғани кастор, Ricinmedis, Rīcineļļa, Рицина, Ricin, קיקיון

Synonyms: клещевина, клещевина ядовитая, рицин, castor bean plant, castor oil plant, wonder tree, ricinier, ricinier commun, ricinier d’Afrique, حب الخروع, ต้นละหุ่ง, ละหุ่งแดง, клещевина обыкновенная, клещевина индийская

Main indications for Ricinus communis: chronic constipation, intestinal atony, enterocolitis, trichuriasis, hookworm disease, pinworms, skin inflammation, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, superficial fungal skin infections, blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis.

Use of Ricinus communis in mixtures and complexes: chronic cholecystitis, hypomotor biliary dyskinesia, chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, burns, trophic ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic sinusitis, adnexitis.

Pharmacological properties of Ricinus communis: laxative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, keratoplastic, antifungal, antimicrobial, analgesic, wound-healing, emollient, immunomodulatory, regenerating, antitumor, cytotoxic, labor inducer.

To render Ricinus communis seed powder safe from ricin, it is necessary to use methods confirmed by toxicological studies and pharmacopoeial requirements, since ricin is an extremely toxic protein that retains activity even in small doses. The technology applied in laboratory and pharmaceutical conditions is described to ensure the protein is completely denatured and the product can be used strictly as intended, excluding the risk of intoxication.

Workplace Preparation

• Work in a fume hood or a well-ventilated area.
• Use a full set of personal protective equipment: nitrile gloves, protective goggles, laboratory coat, respirator with P100/FFP3 filter.
• Exclude access to unauthorized persons, especially children and animals.

Thermal Inactivation

• Preheat a drying oven or laboratory oven to a temperature of 80–90 °C.
• Place the seed powder in a thin layer (1–2 mm) on a glass or metal tray.
• Heat at the specified temperature for at least 60 minutes, stirring periodically for even heating.
• This regime ensures denaturation of the ricin protein and inactivation of associated toxic proteins.

Moist-Heat Treatment (Alternative)

• Prepare an aqueous suspension of the powder (1 part powder to 3 parts distilled water).
• Heat the mixture in a water bath to 85–90 °C for 60 minutes with constant stirring.
• After cooling, filter the suspension, dry the residue at a temperature of 45–50 °C to constant weight.

Inactivation Control

• Complete disappearance of specific protein toxicity in laboratory conditions is checked by enzyme immunoassay or hemagglutination test (in industrial conditions — a mandatory stage).
• In domestic conditions, such control is impossible, therefore using the decontaminated powder without laboratory confirmation is not recommended.

Warning

• Even after treatment, the product should not be consumed. It can only be used as part of external pharmaceutical forms or for technical purposes if safety is confirmed by laboratory tests.
• Never use methods with open flame or high temperatures (>100 °C), as this may lead to the formation of toxic gases.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms – Ricinus communis

Powder – Ricinus communis

Indications (Powder): chronic constipation, intestinal atony, trichuriasis, hookworm disease, pinworms, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, superficial dermatophytosis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally for adults, 0.3–0.5 g once daily after meals, with a sufficient amount of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 0.5–0.7 g once daily for chronic constipation, intestinal atony, helminthiasis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 1 g once daily for pronounced helminthiasis and severe intestinal atony.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.2 g once every 3–4 days for the prevention of chronic constipation in patients with hypomotor intestinal dyskinesia, course of 10–15 doses.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from 12 years of age and body weight of at least 40 kg — 0.15–0.2 g once; use is contraindicated for younger children and lower body weight.

Contraindications (Powder): acute abdominal pathology, intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, age under 12 years, severe chronic renal failure.

Side Effects (Powder): nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg, use minimum dosages (0.3 g); for body weight more than 60 kg — average and maximum dosages as indicated.

Preparation method (Powder): plant seeds are cleaned from the shell, dried at a temperature not exceeding 45 °C in a drying oven to constant weight, ground in a porcelain mortar or mill to a powder state, sifted through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.25 mm. To prepare 100 g of powder, take 100 g of dry cleaned seeds. During preparation, avoid inhaling dust and direct skin contact.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 1 year; after opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract – Ricinus communis

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic constipation, intestinal atony, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, superficial dermatophytosis, chronic cholecystitis, hypomotor biliary dyskinesia.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.1–0.2 g 1–2 times a day 30 minutes before meals; externally as part of ointment bases 5–10%.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.25 g 2 times a day for chronic dermatoses and resistant alopecia.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.3 g 2 times a day for pronounced intestinal atony and chronic constipation, course not exceeding 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.05–0.1 g once every 3 days for 1 month for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic cholecystitis in patients over 40 years of age.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 14 years of age — 0.05–0.1 g once a day; contraindicated for younger children.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): acute abdominal pathology, intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, age under 14 years.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, allergic skin reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for weight less than 60 kg, use the lower limit of dosages; for weight more than 60 kg, the use of maximum doses is allowed as indicated.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): plant seeds are ground, extraction is carried out with 70% ethanol (the solvent is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation) for 48 hours at a temperature of 25–28 °C. The solvent is removed by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the ethanol odor completely disappears; the residual ethanol content must comply with pharmacopoeial standards (<500 ppm). The resulting concentrate is dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40 °C until a dry powder is obtained. To prepare 100 g of dry extract, take 500 g of seeds and 1500 ml of 70% ethanol.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in hermetically sealed dark glass jars at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C in a dry, light-protected place. Shelf life — up to 2 years; after opening — 90 days.

Tincture – Ricinus communis

Indications (Tincture): chronic constipation, intestinal atony, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, superficial dermatophytosis, chronic cholecystitis, hypomotor biliary dyskinesia, chronic pancreatitis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally for adults, 5–10 drops 1–2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of warm water, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops 2 times a day for pronounced intestinal atony and persistent constipation.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops 2 times a day for severe forms of chronic constipation and hypomotor dyskinesia, course not exceeding 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 5 drops once a day for 10 days every 3 months for the prevention of chronic cholecystitis recurrences.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): from 14 years of age — 2–3 drops once a day; contraindicated for younger children.

Contraindications (Tincture): acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, age under 14 years.

Side Effects (Tincture): nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight up to 60 kg, use minimum dosages (5 drops); for weight more than 60 kg — average and maximum dosages as indicated.

Preparation method (Tincture): crushed seeds (previously decontaminated from ricin by heat treatment at 80 °C for 30 minutes) are poured with 70% ethanol at a ratio of 1:10. Infuse in a dark, cool place for 7 days, shaking daily. The solvent is used only for extraction and is not part of the finished preparation. After infusion, the solution is filtered, and the ethanol is removed by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the alcohol odor completely disappears. Permissible residual ethanol content <500 ppm. To prepare 100 g of the finished tincture, use 50 g of prepared seeds and 500 ml of 70% ethanol.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 1 year; after opening — 60 days.

Oil Infusion – Ricinus communis

Indications (Oil Infusion): seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, superficial dermatophytosis, first and second degree burns, skin fissures, chronic blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, trophic ulcers.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): for external use, apply a thin layer 1–2 times a day to affected areas of the skin or mucous membranes.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): applications 2–3 times a day for severe forms of dermatitis, trophic ulcers, second degree burns.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): up to 4 times a day for severe chronic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, course not exceeding 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply once every 2–3 days to skin areas prone to dryness and fissures, course 1–2 months, especially recommended during the cold season.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 3 years of age — apply once a day to small areas of skin for fissures and dryness, avoid use on large areas.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, open deep wounds, purulent processes in the acute stage.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): local allergic reactions, skin irritation; in case of overdose — contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): 20 g of crushed dry seeds, previously decontaminated from ricin, are poured with 100 ml of coconut oil. The mixture is placed in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C and kept for 6 hours, stirring periodically. Then filter through cheesecloth, squeeze out the raw material, and pour into a dark bottle. To prepare 100 g of infusion, take 20 g of seeds and 80 g of coconut oil.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 10 °C to 20 °C, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — up to 1 year; after opening — 90 days.

Ear Drops – Ricinus communis

Indications (Ear Drops): external otitis, earwax plug, itching of the external auditory canal, inflammation of the auricle, mycosis of the external ear.

Standard Dosage (Ear Drops): instill 1–2 drops of warmed preparation into each ear canal 1–2 times a day for 5–7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ear Drops): 3 drops 2 times a day for pronounced inflammation and itching of the external auditory canal, course not exceeding 5 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ear Drops): 4 drops 2 times a day for severe forms of external otitis or pronounced earwax plug, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Ear Drops): 1 drop once a week for the prevention of earwax plug formation in patients prone to their formation.

Pediatric Dosage (Ear Drops): from 6 years of age — 1 drop once a day for inflammation or earwax plug; under 6 years of age — contraindicated.

Contraindications (Ear Drops): perforation of the eardrum, purulent otitis, allergy to the components of the preparation.

Side Effects (Ear Drops): local burning, itching, hyperemia of the skin of the ear canal, allergic reaction.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for local use.

Preparation method (Ear Drops): 5 g of crushed dry seeds, previously decontaminated from ricin, are poured with 50 ml of coconut oil, heated in a water bath at 45 °C for 3 hours, then filtered, and poured into sterile dropper bottles. To prepare 100 g of the finished product, take 10 g of seeds and 90 g of coconut oil.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ear Drops): store in dark glass bottles at a temperature of 10 °C to 20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening — 30 days.

Paste (Poultice) – Ricinus communis

Indications (Paste): soft tissue abscess, furuncle, carbuncle, inflammation of lymph nodes, arthritis, myositis, tenosynovitis, mastitis.

Standard Dosage (Paste): apply a 2–3 mm layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day under a gauze bandage, course 3–5 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Paste): apply a 4–5 mm layer for pronounced inflammation and abscess formation, change bandage every 6–8 hours.

Maximum Dosage (Paste): apply a thick layer up to 6 mm for severe purulent-inflammatory processes, under medical supervision, course not exceeding 3 days.

Preventive Dosage (Paste): not used prophylactically, as the form is intended for acute conditions.

Pediatric Dosage (Paste): from 12 years of age — apply a layer up to 2 mm once a day; under 12 years of age — only as prescribed by a doctor.

Contraindications (Paste): open bleeding wounds, malignant skin neoplasms, skin tuberculosis, individual intolerance.

Side Effects (Paste): skin irritation, allergic reaction; in case of overdose — skin maceration.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for local use.

Preparation method (Paste): 50 g of crushed seeds, previously decontaminated from ricin, are mixed with 30 g of coconut oil and 20 g of beeswax, melted in a water bath at 45 °C, stirred until homogeneous, cooled to 35 °C, and transferred to a sterile jar.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Paste): store in a hermetically sealed dark glass jar at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — 6 months; after opening — 30 days.

Infusion (Decoction) – Ricinus communis

Indications (Infusion/Decoction): chronic constipation, intestinal atony, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, skin inflammation, chronic blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, superficial dermatophytosis.

Standard Dosage (Infusion/Decoction): orally for adults, 50–100 ml 1–2 times a day 30 minutes before meals; externally — as lotions or washes 2–3 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Infusion/Decoction): orally, 100 ml 3 times a day for persistent constipation or pronounced skin inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Infusion/Decoction): orally, 150 ml 3 times a day for severe intestinal atony and chronic dermatosis, course not exceeding 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Infusion/Decoction): orally, 50 ml once a day for 7 days every 3 months for the prevention of constipation in patients with hypomotor intestinal dyskinesia.

Pediatric Dosage (Infusion/Decoction): from 12 years of age — orally, 25–50 ml once a day; under 12 years of age — only externally for washes and lotions.

Contraindications (Infusion/Decoction): acute abdominal pathology, intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, age under 12 years for internal use.

Side Effects (Infusion/Decoction): diarrhea, nausea, intestinal cramps in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for weight less than 60 kg, use the lower limit of dosage; for weight more than 60 kg — the upper limit.

Preparation method (Infusion/Decoction): 10 g of dry leaves or seeds (previously decontaminated from ricin) are poured with 200 ml of boiling water, heated in a water bath at 90–95 °C for 20 minutes, cooled for 45 minutes, strained. To prepare 100 g of infusion, take 5 g of plant raw material and 100 ml of boiled water.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Infusion/Decoction): store in a tightly closed glass container at a temperature of 4 °C to 8 °C, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — not more than 48 hours.

Cream – Ricinus communis

Indications (Cream): seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, dry eczema, skin fissures, first degree burns, chronic blepharitis, keratitis, superficial dermatophytosis.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to affected skin areas 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin or inflammation, course up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 times a day for severe skin lesions, course not exceeding 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once a day for 1 month to skin prone to dryness, especially during the cold season.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): from 3 years of age — apply once a day to small areas of skin, avoid use on large areas in young children.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance to components, active purulent skin processes.

Side Effects (Cream): local allergic reactions, skin irritation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): 60 g of coconut oil, 20 g of castor oil (obtained from the plant's seeds), 15 g of beeswax, 5 g of glycerin are mixed and heated in a water bath at 45 °C until the wax is completely melted, stirred until homogeneous, cooled at room temperature to 35 °C, and transferred to sterile containers. To prepare 100 g of cream, use the specified amounts of ingredients.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in tightly closed dark glass jars at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 6 months; after opening — 60 days.

Ointment – Ricinus communis

Indications (Ointment): seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, chronic blepharitis, keratitis, superficial dermatophytosis, first and second degree burns, trophic ulcers, skin fissures, dry eczema.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 1–2 times a day; for ophthalmic indications — apply into the conjunctival sac as an ophthalmic ointment once a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 3 times a day for severe dermatological lesions or trophic ulcers, course up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 4 times a day to limited skin areas for pronounced inflammation, course not exceeding 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once every 2–3 days to skin prone to dryness for 1–2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): from 3 years of age — apply once a day to small areas of skin, avoid use on large areas.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, open purulent wounds, acute skin infections.

Side Effects (Ointment): local irritation, itching, rash, allergic reaction.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Ointment): 50 g of coconut oil, 30 g of castor oil, 20 g of beeswax are melted in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C, stirred until homogeneous, cooled to 35 °C, and packaged into sterile containers. To prepare 100 g of ointment, use the specified amounts of ingredients.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in dark glass jars at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — 6 months; after opening — 60 days.

Cosmetics (Cosmetic Products) – Ricinus communis

Indications (Cosmetics): prevention of dry skin, hair strengthening, improvement of eyelash and eyebrow growth, restoration of hair structure, softening of lip skin, care for nails and cuticles.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetics): apply 1–2 times a day to the corresponding care area: facial skin, hair, eyelashes, lips, or nails.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetics): apply 2–3 times a day to areas with pronounced dry skin or brittle hair, course up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetics): for intensive hair care programs — rub into the scalp once a day for 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetics): apply once a week to hair and eyelashes, once every 2–3 days to facial skin and lips.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetics): from 6 years of age — apply once a week to hair and nails, avoid contact with eyes.

Contraindications (Cosmetics): individual intolerance, allergic reactions to vegetable oils.

Side Effects (Cosmetics): local skin irritation, allergic reaction.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Cosmetics): for nourishing lip balm: 50 g of coconut oil, 40 g of castor oil, 10 g of beeswax are melted in a water bath at a temperature of 45 °C, stirred, and poured into tubes. For eyelash serum: 80 g of castor oil, 20 g of jojoba oil are mixed at room temperature and poured into sterile bottles with a brush.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetics): store in a dark, tightly closed container at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening — 6 months.

Serum – Ricinus communis

Indications (Serum): alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, damage to the hair cuticle, brittle eyelashes, chronic blepharitis (external form), dry eczema, skin fissures.

Standard Dosage (Serum): apply a thin layer to the scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows once a day before bedtime, course 21–30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): apply 2 times a day for pronounced alopecia or severely damaged hair, course 14–21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): apply 3 times a day locally for alopecia areata or resistant dermatoses, course not exceeding 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): apply 1–2 times a week to hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows for 2–3 months, especially during the autumn-winter period to prevent hair loss and skin dryness.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): from 6 years of age — apply once a week to hair and eyelashes in a minimal amount, avoiding contact with eyes.

Contraindications (Serum): individual intolerance, active inflammatory skin processes, purulent skin lesions, age under 6 years.

Side Effects (Serum): local irritation, skin hyperemia, allergic reactions; in case of overdose — contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is for external use.

Preparation method (Serum): for hair strengthening: 70 g of castor oil, 20 g of coconut oil, 10 g of argan oil are mixed at a temperature of 35–40 °C until homogeneous, and poured into sterile bottles with a pipette. For eyelash and eyebrow strengthening: 80 g of castor oil and 20 g of jojoba oil are mixed at room temperature and transferred into bottles with a brush. To prepare 100 g of product, use the specified amounts of oils.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): store in hermetically sealed dark glass bottles at a temperature of 8 °C to 20 °C, protect from direct light. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening — 6 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety – Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis seeds contain the highly toxic protein ricin, which has a pronounced cytotoxic effect. Studies have shown that the LD₅₀ value of ricin upon oral administration to mice is about 20–30 mg/kg, and upon intravenous administration — about 0.1 mg/kg, which indicates extremely high toxicity upon parenteral exposure. For castor oil obtained after thermal inactivation of ricin, acute toxicity is significantly lower: the LD₅₀ upon oral administration to rats exceeds 9400 mg/kg, which classifies the product as practically non-toxic, provided there is no active ricin. When working with the plant's seeds, strict biosafety measures must be observed: use of gloves, masks, goggles, prevention of dust inhalation and contact of particles with mucous membranes.

Reference: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...

Pharmacodynamics – Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis is a source of a wide range of biologically active compounds that determine the diversity of its pharmacodynamic effects. The main pharmacologically significant product of processing the plant's seeds is oil, containing a high percentage of triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, which has a pronounced ability to modulate the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract through its effect on the receptor structures of smooth muscles and changes in fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen. It has been established that ricinoleic acid interacts with local mediator systems, including prostaglandin pathways, causing local physiological effects in the intestinal wall.

The pharmacodynamic activity of the leaves and other parts of the plant is associated with the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and modulating properties in relation to various body systems. Flavonoids and phenolic acids demonstrate the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress, which is reflected in a decrease in the intensity of damage to cellular structures.

In the context of the immune system, Ricinus communis extracts can exert immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory effects depending on the concentration and form of administration. The mechanisms include influencing the functional activity of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and cytokine production. Oil forms rich in ricinoleic acid have demonstrated local anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models, associated with the inhibition of inflammatory mediators.

At the skin level, preparations from Ricinus communis possess emollient, keratoplastic, and moderate antimicrobial effects. These effects are mediated by the ability of ricinoleic acid to alter the permeability of microbial cell membranes and stabilize the skin's lipid barrier.

In the nervous system, the plant's active components can indirectly influence sensory and motor activity through the regulation of visceral signals coming from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as through the reduction of local inflammation, which alters the pain perception threshold.

Pharmacodynamic effects are observed both in systemic and local application, which is associated with different degrees of penetration of active substances through biological barriers and their interaction with target tissues.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411100316X

Pharmacokinetics – Ricinus communis

Upon oral administration of oil forms of Ricinus communis, the active components, primarily triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, undergo hydrolysis by lipases in the small intestine, releasing free ricinoleic acid. It is absorbed mainly in the small intestine and exerts a local effect before entering the systemic bloodstream. Water-soluble components from the leaves and other parts of the plant, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, pass through the intestinal epithelial barrier via passive diffusion and active transport.

With transdermal application, for example in ointments or creams, absorption is limited by the stratum corneum but is enhanced when the epidermis is damaged or when penetrating bases are used. Lipophilic components, such as ricinoleic acid, pass more easily through the skin's lipid barrier, distributing mainly in the superficial layers of the dermis and epidermis.

The distribution of active substances after systemic entry depends on their lipophilicity. Lipophilic compounds tend to accumulate in adipose tissue, skin, and mucous membranes. Hydrophilic components circulate in the plasma mainly in free form or as conjugates with proteins.

Metabolism of ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids occurs in the liver with the participation of β-oxidation and microsomal enzyme systems. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds undergo conjugation with glucuronic or sulfuric acid, which facilitates their excretion.

Excretion of metabolites is carried out mainly with bile and feces for lipophilic compounds, and with urine for hydrophilic metabolites. An insignificant amount of volatile metabolites and oxidation products may be excreted through the lungs, and water-soluble metabolites through the sweat glands of the skin.

With local application, systemic absorption is minimal; however, in case of damage to the skin or mucous membranes, a higher degree of penetration and involvement of the liver and kidneys in the metabolism and excretion of active substances is possible.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016416300403

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale – Ricinus communis

The biological activity of Ricinus communis is determined by a complex of chemical compounds, including triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and the lectin ricin. The main component of castor oil — ricinoleic acid — interacts with prostaglandin EP3 receptors on intestinal smooth muscle cells, activating the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX) and enhancing peristaltic activity. This is accompanied by stimulation of ion and water secretion into the intestinal lumen, mediated by an increase in cAMP levels in enterocytes. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids from the leaves and roots exhibit antioxidant properties through direct binding of reactive oxygen species, as well as inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) and modulation of NF-κB activity, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6).

The lectin ricin has a high affinity for β-D-galactose residues on the cell surface and exerts its cytotoxic effect by inhibiting protein synthesis at the ribosomal level, making it a target for research in oncology therapy. Terpenoid and alkaloid components of Ricinus communis can influence cell membrane calcium channels, altering intracellular signaling and the activity of enzymes, including caspases, which contributes to the initiation of apoptosis in certain cell types. Oil fractions exhibit moderate antimicrobial action, disrupting the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and fungi.

Plant extracts demonstrate modulation of the immune response through their effect on macrophages and neutrophils, including the regulation of phagocytic activity and nitric oxide (NO) production via the NO-synthase pathway. These effects can be systemic or local depending on the route of administration.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411100316X

Synergy – Ricinus communis

Scientific research shows that Ricinus communis has confirmed pharmacological synergy with a number of plant taxa and natural compounds. Oil forms containing ricinoleic acid demonstrate a potentiating effect when used together with Zingiber officinale in modulating intestinal motility, which is associated with an additive effect on 5-HT₃ serotonin receptors and prostaglandin pathways. Extracts of Ricinus communis leaves in combination with Azadirachta indica enhance antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria due to the combined damage to the cell wall and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis.

The combination of phenolic compounds from Ricinus communis with flavonoids from Camellia sinensis demonstrates an additive antioxidant effect through the cumulative enhancement of free radical inactivation and synchronous inhibition of LOX and COX enzymes. Oil extracts from the plant's seeds, when combined with essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia, exhibit synergistic anti-inflammatory and emollient effects on the skin through the modulation of inflammatory mediators and stabilization of the epidermal barrier.

A number of studies have established that the combined use of Ricinus communis extract and saponin-containing plants, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, exerts a modulating effect on the immune response through synchronous action on macrophages and T-lymphocytes, as well as regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This synergy is manifested at both the systemic and tissue levels.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016416300403

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine – Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis has an extensive history of use in folk medicine across several continents. The plant is believed to originate from East Africa, from where it spread to Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Archaeobotanical finds indicate the cultivation of castor bean in Ancient Egypt as early as the 3rd millennium BC, where seed oil was used for lighting and in the ritual practices of embalming. In ancient Greece and Rome, the plant was mentioned in the medical works of Hippocrates and Dioscorides. In India, in the Ayurvedic tradition, castor oil was used in the form of oils, infusions, and wraps, and leaves were used for warming compresses. In China, the plant has been known since the Tang era and was used in the form of infusions and ointments. In the Arab medical school of the Middle Ages, castor oil was considered an important component of emollient and cleansing agents.

In Africa, Ricinus communis seeds and leaves were used in ethnomedical practices for preparing infusions, decoctions, pastes, and rubs, as well as in protection and purification rituals. In the traditions of the peoples of West Africa, plant leaves were used in steam baths and compresses. In Latin America, castor oil became widely integrated into domestic and medicinal practice after colonial times, and in Brazilian villages, it retains ritual significance as a plant associated with amulets and the cleansing of dwellings. In Thailand and Laos, in folk medicine, the leaves and oil are used in compresses, as well as in traditional massage mixtures.

Non-medical use includes application in purification and protection rituals among various peoples of Africa and South Asia, the use of oil in ritual lamps, in the preparation of protective amulets, and as a symbol of fertility. In some cultures, Ricinus communis seeds were used in magical practices as an attribute of divination, with the poisonous properties of the plant endowed with sacred meaning.