A phytochemical and pharmacological review of Ricinus communis L.

The Ricinus genus consists of herbs with one known species, Ricinus communis Linn is commonly referred to as a castor oil plant. This plant is a rapidly developing perennial herb with moderate height, it is also a member of the castor bean family that possesses spiky green fruits. The flowers lack petals and are also monoecious. The fruit has lots of oil with three hard brown shiny seeds. Castor beans (R. communis seeds) produce castor oil, widely used as a purgative, lubricant, varnish, and pain killers.

Appropriate literature was accessed from Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles about Ricinus communis. Many pharmacological properties of Ricinus communis reported are analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, mosquitocidal, anti-nociceptive, and anti-fertility properties. These properties are due to its phytochemicals like; Ricinine, gallic acid, quercetin, Kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside, Quercetin-3-O-βrutinoside, etc.

The pharmacological applications of Ricinus communis show promising prospects for wound healing, diabetes control, antioxidant therapy, cancer treatment animal feed composition. Nevertheless, its usage requires caution, especially in therapeutic conditions where its purgative effects are unnecessary.