Ricinus
Ricinus
Ricinus (pronounced /ˈrɪsɪnəs/), commonly known as the castor oil plant, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae.
Etymology
The term "Ricinus" is Latin for "tick", used for this plant name due to the seed's resemblance to a particular species of European tick.
Description
Ricinus is a fast-growing, large shrub that can grow up to 12 meters tall. It has glossy foliage and clusters of red, female flowers. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, Eastern Africa, and India. The most notable feature of Ricinus is its seed, which is highly toxic if ingested or inhaled.
Medical Usage
The seeds of the Ricinus plant are the source of castor oil, which has several medical uses. Castor oil is a natural remedy for constipation and also used as a lubricant in various medical procedures. It is also used in the production of certain soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes.
Toxicity
The seeds of Ricinus are highly toxic due to the presence of ricin, a dangerous poison if ingested or inhaled. Ricin is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances known.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ricinus
- Wikipedia's article - Ricinus
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