Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Castor oil is a colorless to slightly yellowish, viscous vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the tropical miracle tree or castor tree (Ricinus communis), a spurge plant. Castor oil has a strong laxative effect.
see under Ricini oleum virginale
IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.
45-65% fatty oil consisting of 80-85% triricinolein, a triglyceride of ricinoleic acid Further components are free (0.75-3%), but mostly esterified acids like oleic acid 3.6-9%, linoleic acid 3-5%, linolenic acid 0.4%, further fatty acids are stearic acid 1.5-3% and palmitic acid 0-1.6%, among others.
Semen ricini contains the less poisonous ricinin and (up to about 3%) the very poisonous ricin. Ricinine is completely removed from the oil during cold pressing with subsequent steam distillation.
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EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Laxative, effect in the small intestine (see also ricinoleic acid, triricinolein)
Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.
In the intestine, triricinolein is hydrolytically cleaved by intestinal lipases, ricinoleic acid as the actual active substance is released and induces the laxative effect.
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
Medical indication (WHO, ESCOP monographs): For internal application: laxative effect in acute or habitual constipation.
In the cosmetic industry castor oil is used for the production of skin care creams and other cosmetics.
Furthermore castor oil is used as an additive e.g. in eye drops.
Technically the castor oil has been used in lubricants and various other products. waxes.
DosageThis section has been translated automatically.
Dosage as laxative: adults: 1-2 tablespoons (30-55ml)/day; children up to 2 years 1-5ml/day, children b 5 years: 5-15ml. Duration of use: 1-2 weeks.
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
At V.-a. ileus; in chronic inflammatory bowel disease, during pregnancy (risk of triggering uterine contractions),
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Duration of use: 1-2 weeks.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Boddu SH et al. (2014) Preclinical evaluation of a ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal eyelid delivery. Int J Pharm 470:158-161.
- Ozcan HM et al. (2009) Production of ricinoleic acid from castor oil by immobilised lipases. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 39:170-182.
- Tunaru S et al. (2012) Castor oil induces laxation and uterine contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109:9179-984.
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/rizinus.php.
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/draft-european-union-herbal-monograph-ricinus-communis-l-oleum_en.pdf
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles