Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant)

Ricinus communis L. (family: Euphorbiaceae), a castor bean plant found in Asia and the Mediterranean region, is classified as the most poisonous plant on earth. Castor bean poisoning has been reported mainly as an occupational inhalation allergy in laboratory employees, oil processing mill workers, and agricultural workers. Ricin found in castor beans can cause neurological problems, ophthalmological abnormalities, and deadly gastroenteritis. Ricin toxicity is dosage dependent and is determined by the amount of castor beans consumed. However, R. communis also possesses therapeutic value because it contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, anthraquinones, saponins, steroids, polyuronides, and glycosides. The important pharmacological activities of R. communis are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, insecticidal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, anticonvulsant, and analgesic. Considering its wide variety of phytochemicals and pharmacological efficacy, this plant could provide novel compounds targeting different diseases. Thus, the present chapter highlights the ethnopharmacological, metabolic, and immunological health advantages of R. communis that may be exploited to design targeted therapies against different diseases.