Castor Oil A Painful Story

In some areas of the world, castor oil and its laxahve effect are frequently mentioned in jokes. Although castor oil is not much used for this purpose aity more, it has found an even bigger role in modem life. 

The castor oil plant Ricinus communis) is a subtropical, perennial species of flowering plant in the spurge family, which can be grown imder moderate chmatic 

Military use of ricin as a toxin was considered by both the USA and the Soviet Union, but it was not weaponized. Secret services were less picky Bulgarian agents woimded dissident writer and anti-commrmist critic Georgi Markov with a small ricin-loaded projectile, and the poisoning grew deadly within a few days (— 4.26). 

Castor oil is not toxic it contains neither ricin nor ricinin (Fig. 3.34), which are insoluble in the oil. Most of castor oil is glycerol triricinoleate. Digestive enzymes (lipases) in the intestine break down this molecule into glycerol and ricinoleic acid, and the latter possesses a laxative effect. Despite the fact that the use of castor oil in case of constipation dates back centuries, the mechanism of the action is not fully imderstood yet. About 5-10 g of castor oil is usually quite efficient with the onset of the action after 6-8 h. A larger dose may do its job within a shorter time. Despite certain jokes, the effect is never instantaneous. 

The use of castor oil as a laxative is declining. Its drawback is that the consumption of a relatively large amoimt is needed and it also has an unpleasant aftertaste. Additionally, it causes painful cramps. More specifically, it cramps uterine muscles, and was earher utilized in inducing abortions. For this same reason, the usage of castor oil is not recommended for pregnant women. 

---