FolkKB

Castor

Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor bean, is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated for its versatile uses. Traditionally, it has not been extensively documented in medicinal practices across various cultures. Scientific research indicates that cotyledon removal can influence root growth and induce ion imbalances and oxidative stress under salt-stressed conditions. Additionally, studies have shown that Ricinus communis can be effectively used in constructed wetland systems to remediate rice mill effluent while enhancing crop productivity. The plant has also been found to contain two novel enzymes, RcHCT1 and RcHCT2, involved in the biosynthesis of phenolamides. Safety concerns are currently minimal with no major issues recorded, and there is no evidence of significant drug interactions reported.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Cotyledon removal inhibited root growth and induced ion imbalance and oxidative stress in castor seedlings under salt stress. D PMID
  • The study found that using Ricinus communis in a constructed wetland system could effectively remediate rice mill effluent while enhancing crop productivity. D PMID
  • Both predators showed higher oviposition rates on pollen diets without compromising predation efficiency, though they preferred older A. cocois eggs. D PMID
  • The study identified and characterized two novel enzymes, RcHCT1 and RcHCT2, involved in the biosynthesis of phenolamides in Ricinus communis. D PMID
  • The study found that an mRNA antibody cocktail (mRNA-cocktail-LNP) provided protection against ricin intoxication both prophylactically and within a 10-hour post-exposure window in mice. D PMID
  • Acute ricin exposure in mice led to transient hippocampal dysfunction characterized by disrupted functional connectivity and impaired spatial memory, with partial recovery within two weeks. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Castor?

Castor (Ricinus communis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Castor?

6 sourced findings are recorded for Castor; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cotyledon removal inhibited root growth and induced ion imbalance and oxidative stress in castor seedlings under salt stress.

How strong is the evidence for Castor?

The strongest finding for Castor carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Castor safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Castor in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Castor interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Castor in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Castor?

Castor is also known as: клещевина, ricin commun.

Is Castor a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Effects of cotyledon removal on the root growth and physiology properties during early seedling stage of Ricinus communis under salt stress. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Rational development of an mRNA antibody cocktail with extended therapeutic window against ricin intoxication. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Assessment of phyto-remediation efficiency and crop productivity of castor-based rice mill effluent (RME) wetland system. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Analysis of biosynthetic genes of phenolamides in Ricinus communis L. based on metabolomics and transcriptomes. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Influence of food resources and prey egg age on the predatory efficiency of phytoseiid mites associated with cashew. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Neural Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline Induced by Ricin-Mediated Cognitive Impairment. literature abstract metadata