Castor seeds are obtained from the castor plant, which is scientifically known as Ricinus communis Linn (Fam. Euphorbiaceae). Though the plant originated from East Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Mediterranean Sea are currently the two extensive sources of the castor plant. The plant is called cika-gidaa in Hausa, ogili ugba or ogili isi in Igbo and ilara in Yoruba. Other names of the plant include African coffee tree, Castorbean, Castor Bean, Castor Bean Plant, Castor Oil, Castor Oil Plant, Castor Seed, Ricin, Ricinus communis, Tangantangan Oil Plant, Wonder Tree.
Constituents: Castor seeds are found to be rich in proteins, carbohydrates and calcium. They also contain oleic acids, ricinoleic acids and linoleic acids, among other fatty acids, that are extremely beneficial for a person’s health.
Preparations: The plant castor can be available as the seed, oil or paste.
Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses: The major benefits of castor oil are relief of muscle and joint problems like rheumatism and arthritis, as well as relief of menstrual pain. The ricinoleic acid found in castor seeds eases the flow of menstruation and relieves the extreme pain along with the cramps. The extreme levels of pain caused by arthritis can be alleviated considerably by regularly massaging castor seed oil onto the affected areas.
Application of castor seed oil is said to help in fighting acne, stretch marks, dryness and sunburn, improving skin tone and texture among other things; thus its use as an ingredient for skin creams used in treating stretch marks all over the world. Castor seed oil is a great remedy for bruises and wounds and much more. This may be because it is effective against yeast and fungal infections, warts and many more. The high concentration of fatty acids in castor seed oil can penetrate the skin with ease, providing quick relief from dryness and cracked skin, thus making it a great skin moisturizer.
Castor seed oil enhances hair growth, is a remedy for treating split ends and controlling hair breakage problem, and can also help enhance the thickness of the eyelashes.
Castor oil is used as a laxative for constipation, to start labour in pregnancy, and to start the flow of breast milk. Castor seeds can be used to stimulate the lactation process. Castor seeds contain trace amounts of toxic protein, ricin, which when used in very small dosages, can be tremendously effective for birth control. It is said that castor oil may be a great ingredient for spermicidal lotions, gels, and creams.
Some people apply castor seed paste to the skin as a poultice for inflammatory skin disorders, boils, carbuncles, pockets of infection (abscesses), inflammation of the middle ear, and migraine headaches. Castor oil is used topically to soften skin, bunions and corns, to dissolve cysts, growths and warts. Castor oil is used in the eyes to soothe membranes irritated by dust or other materials.
Adverse effects: Excessive use of castor seed oil during pregnancy can lead to abortion. In some people, castor oil can cause stomach discomfort, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and faintness, liver, kidney and pancreas damage, and death. Excessive use of castor oil on the skin can turn skin red.
Economic uses and potentials: When pressed, castor seeds yield an oil that can be transformed into biodiesel, a renewable energy source. In manufacturing, castor seeds are used to make paints, varnishes, and lubricating oils. Ricin from the hull of the castor seed has been tested as a chemical warfare agent. In 2018, a tonne of castor seed cost ₦180,000.00. Castor oil has potentials in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, energy and paint industry.
By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm
(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)
Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com
Reference
Fordous H. (2020). Health Benefits of Castor Seed And Its Side Effects. Lybrate. Available at: https://www.lybrate.com › Topics. Accessed July 10, 2024.
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