Ricinoleic acid

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Ricinoleic Acid

Ricinoleic acid (pronounced: rye-sin-oh-lee-ick acid) is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is derived from the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis. It is the main component of castor oil and has several medicinal uses.

Etymology

The term "ricinoleic acid" is derived from the Latin Ricinus for the castor oil plant, and the chemical suffix "-oleic", which refers to an unsaturated fatty acid.

Properties

Ricinoleic acid is a pale yellow liquid that is soluble in alcohol but not in water. It has a unique hydroxyl functional group, which contributes to its polarity and makes it more reactive compared to other fatty acids.

Medicinal Uses

Ricinoleic acid has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is often used in topical treatments for skin conditions, including dermatitis and psoriasis. It is also used as a laxative due to its ability to stimulate smooth muscle contractions in the intestines.

Related Terms

  • Castor Oil: The oil from the castor plant, which is primarily composed of ricinoleic acid.
  • Fatty Acid: A carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated.
  • Analgesic: A type of medication used to relieve pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling.
  • Dermatitis: A general term that describes inflammation of the skin.
  • Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal, resulting in red, flaky, and crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

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