THE VERSATILE CASTOR PLANT RICINUS COMMUNIS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE MEDICINAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS

THE VERSATILE CASTOR PLANT RICINUS COMMUNIS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE MEDICINAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS

G. N. Pramodini * and E. Aswathi

Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Nehru College of Pharmacy, Pampady, Thiruvilwamala, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

ABSTRACT: Ricinus communis Linn, commonly known as the castor plant, is a versatile and widely distributed species that holds significant importance in both traditional and modern medicine. This plant, native to tropical Africa, has been utilized for centuries due to its extensive medicinal properties, which include antimicrobial, antihistaminic, antinociceptive, antifertility, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antidiabetic activities. Various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, roots, and seeds, are employed in the treatment of diverse ailments, including eye infections, liver diseases, and sexually transmitted infections. The therapeutic potential of Ricinus communis is attributed to the presence of key bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and glucosides. Specific compounds like camphor, β-caryophyllene, gallic acid, quercetin, and indole-3-acetic acid are among the notable bioactive constituents found in the plant. Furthermore, studies on castor oil have revealed the presence of several beneficial fatty acids, including ricinoleic and linoleic acids, which contribute to the plant’s health-promoting effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the medicinal properties, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications of Ricinus communis, highlighting its role as a valuable resource in modern pharmacology and traditional medicine.

Keywords: Ricinus communis Linn, Constituents, morphology, Traditional uses, Medicinal properties

INTRODUCTION: Ricinus communis Linn, commonly referred to as Castor, is also called ‘Eranda’ in Sanskrit. It is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant is native to the South-eastern Mediterranean region, Eastern Africa, and India ¹. The castor oil plant is commonly found throughout tropical regions as an ornamental plant. It is a fast-growing, suckering perennial shrub, or sometimes a small softwood tree, reaching heights of up to 6 meters or more. However, it is not naturally hardy ².

This plant was cultivated for its ornamental leaf and flower colors, as well as for oil production. The leaves are typically green or reddish, with a diameter ranging from 30 to 60 cm ³. The stems of the castor plant vary in pigmentation. The flowers are monoecious and measure about 30-60 cm in length. The fruit is a three-celled, thorny capsule, covered with soft, spin-like processes. It dehisces into three 2-valved locules.

The seeds exhibit considerable variation in size and color; they are oval, slightly compressed, ranging from 8-18 mm in length and 4-12 mm in width. The testa (seed coat) is smooth, thin, and brittle. Castor seeds also feature a warty appendage called the caruncle, typically located at one end of the seed. The raphe runs from the caruncle to a slightly raised chalaza at the opposite end ⁴.

FIG. 1: WHOLE PLANT OF RICINUS COMMUNIS LINN

Geographical Source: Castor bean originates from tropical Africa but has spread and become established in humid tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is found both in the wild and cultivated as an ornamental plant across tropical and subtropical areas of the United States and its territories ⁵.

Vernacular Names:

TABLE 1: LIST OF VERNACULAR NAMES ⁶

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Malpighiales

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Sub-Family: Acalyphoideae

Tribe: Acalypheae

Genus: Ricinus

Species: Ricinus communis Linn

Occurrence: India, South-eastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa ⁷.

Morphology:

Leaves: The castor leaves are petiolate, alternate, and large with palmately lobed shapes, typically having 7-8 lobes. The margins of the leaves are serrated, and the venation is reticulate. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green, while the lower surface is light green. The leaves measure approximately 22-25 cm in length and 11-15.5 cm in breadth.

FIG. 2: LEAVES OF RICINUS COMMUNIS

Fruits: The fruit of the castor plant can be either spiny or non-spiny. In the case of spiny fruit, there is variation in the length of the spines, with approximately 150 spines per fruit. Non-spiny fruits can be smooth or warty, with the epicarp (outer layer) being rugged in texture ⁸.

FIG. 3: FRUITS OF RICINUS COMMUNIS

Chemical Constituents: The medicinal properties of Ricinus communis are primarily attributed to the presence of key phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides. The leaves of the plant are rich in phenolic compounds, including camphor, α-sesquiterpenoid (β-caryophyllene), gallic acid, quercetin, gentilic acid, rutin, epicatechin, and ellagic acid. In addition, the roots contain indole-3-acetic acid, while castor oil studies have identified various ester forms, including palmitic, stearic, arachidic-hexadecenoic, oleic, linoleic, ricinoleic, and dihydroxy stearic acids. These compounds contribute to the diverse therapeutic effects of the plant ⁹.

Medicinal Properties: Ricinus communis possesses several medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, antihistaminic, anti-nociceptive, antifertility, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-diabetic activities. Different parts of the plant are used to treat eye infections, liver infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Antimicrobial Activity: Ricinus communis exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it useful in the treatment of infections. Studies have shown that extracts from the plant, particularly the seeds and leaves, possess inhibitory effects against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans ¹⁰.

Anti-inflammatory and Ant-nociceptive Effects: The plant has shown anti-inflammatory activity, which helps in alleviating symptoms of conditions like arthritis. It also exhibits ant nociceptive properties, making it beneficial for pain management ¹¹.

Hepatoprotective Activity: The leaves and seeds of Ricinus communis are known for their hepatoprotective effects. Studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant can protect the liver from damage caused by toxic substances and improve liver function ¹².

Anti-diabetic Properties: Ricinus communis has been shown to possess hypoglycemic effects, making it valuable in managing diabetes. Various studies have highlighted the plant’s potential in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic models ¹³.

Wound Healing: The plant’s oil has demonstrated wound-healing properties due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Castor oil is commonly used in traditional medicine to promote the healing of cuts and burns ¹⁴.

Traditional Uses in Medicine:

Treatment of Constipation: Castor oil, derived from the seeds, is one of the most well-known traditional remedies for constipation. It has a strong laxative effect, stimulating bowel movements. It has been used in many cultures for centuries to treat constipation and as a purgative ¹⁵

Wound Healing: Castor oil is traditionally applied to wounds, cuts, and burns for its antimicrobial and healing-promoting properties. The oil is believed to speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation, providing relief from pain ¹⁶.

Relief from Joint Pain and Inflammation: In traditional medicine, castor oil has been used as a topical remedy for joint pain and inflammation. It is often massaged into painful areas to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and muscle soreness ¹⁷.

Liver Health: Traditionally, castor oil has been used to support liver health. It is believed to detoxify the liver and improve its function, helping to cleanse the body from accumulated toxins.

Treatment for Skin Conditions: The leaves and oil of Ricinus communis are used in traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, rashes, and fungal infections. Castor oil’s emollient properties help soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin ¹⁸.

Relief from Menstrual Disorders: Castor oil has been traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles. It is often used in the form of poultices applied to the abdomen to reduce pain and discomfort associated with menstruation ¹⁹.

Hair Growth and Scalp Health: Castor oil is commonly used in traditional medicine as a remedy for hair loss and to promote healthy hair growth. It is believed to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and prevent dandruff ²⁰.

CONCLUSION: Ricinus communis Linn, or castor plant, is a remarkable species with a wide array of traditional and medicinal uses, supported by a growing body of scientific research. The plant’s diverse bioactive compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and fatty acids, contribute to its therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and wound-healing effects. Its traditional uses span from treating constipation with castor oil to alleviating joint pain and promoting skin health. Despite its potential therapeutic benefits, caution is necessary due to the toxic nature of some compounds, particularly ricin, found in its seeds. Future research should continue to explore the full medicinal potential of Ricinus communis while ensuring safety and efficacy in clinical applications. Given its widespread use in traditional medicine and its promise in modern pharmacology, Ricinus communis remains a valuable plant for further investigation in the realm of natural medicine.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors acknowledging Nehru College of Pharmacy, Thrissur, Kerala for providing all the support

CONFILCT OF INTEREST: Authors declare no conflict of interest

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    How to cite this article:

    Pramodini GN and Aswathi E: The versatile castor plant Ricinus communis comprehensive review on the medicinal and health benefits. Int J Pharmacognosy 2025; 12(5): 355-58. doi link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.12(5).355-58.

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