-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.