Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae)


ÇİÇEK POLAT D., İLGÜN S.

Poison or Remedy? Case Reports on Selected Plants, Bentham Science Publ, ss.161-175, 2025

  • Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.2174/9789815274318125010015
  • Yayınevi: Bentham Science Publ
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.161-175
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Case report, Castor oil plant, Ethnobotany, Euphorbiaceae, Ricinus communis L.
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal plant known as castor oil plant and has highly toxic effects due to its ricin content. Root leaves and especially seeds of this plant, which has a wide distribution area in the world, are rich in terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids. For this reason, the plant, used by the ancient people as a laxative for infections, inflammations, and toothache, has shown various biological activities. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of the plant and its compounds have been determined in multiple studies. However, its seeds have toxic effects on humans and animals.