-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Ricinus communis (Castor Bean)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Ricinus communis

synonyms: castor bean, Mexico seed, oil plant, palma Christi, castor-oil plant, wunderbaum, bofareira

part(s) used: oil expressed from seeds

qualities: demulcent, laxative, purgative

affinities: liver

actions: detoxifies, lymphatic cleanser

dosage:

» oil: 5 - 20 ml.

therapy:

» internal: constipation

» external: as a poultice over the liver for sluggish liver, cysts, warts; used for lymphatic massage

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d

toxicity: 3; see ricin toxidrome

» seeds are poisonous

» contraindicated in intestinal obstruction or unexplained stomach ache due to its gastric irritant and purgative effects (Wichtl, Felter and Lloyd, Lust)

» contraindicated in prolonged use due to potential for serious electolyte loss (De Smet)

» treatment of overdose: gastric lavage (von Oettingen, pp. 286-287)

» caution is advised during pregnancy (Brinker, p. 110)

» associated with dermatitis (Fuller and McClintock, p. 373)

constituents: fixed oil, alkaloid: ricinine; lectins and the toxic protein, ricin, which is left behind in the cake after pressing

drug interactions:

» electrolyte loss from frequent use may potentiate cardiac glycosides such as those in Adonis, Conyallaria, Urginea, Helleborus, Strophanthus, and Digitalis (Brinker, De Smet)

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

ublications.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

rugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.