Identification
- Summary
Castor oil is an ingredient used in a variety of natural health products.
- Generic Name
- Castor oil
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB11113
- Background
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) mainly cultivated in India, South America, Africa, and China. Castor oil is a rich source of Ricinoleic acid, which represents up to 90% of the total castor oil content. It also consists up to 4% linoleic, 3% oleic, 1% stearic, and less than 1% linolenic fatty acids 1. Ricinoleic acid has a hydroxyl group that provides a functional group location for various chemical reactions, making it a favourable substance in industrial applications 1. Castor oil does not contain ricin, which is a natural poison found in the castor oil plant; the toxic lectin remains in the bean pulp following oil isolation 6. Due to its renewability and high versatility in addition to being the only commercial source of a hydroxylated fatty acid 1, castor oil has been used as a vital raw material for the chemical industry 3. Castor oil was mainly used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, and coatings 1. It is an FDA-approved food additive directly added to food products for human consumption. It can also be found in hard candies as a release agent and anti-sticking agent, or supplementary vitamins and mineral oral tablets as an ingredient for protective coatings. Castor oil is found in over-the-counter oral liquids as a stimulant laxative, and is also added in commercial cosmetic, hair, and skincare products.
- Type
- Biotech
- Groups
- Approved, Investigational, Nutraceutical, Vet approved
- Synonyms
- Agaliya oil
- Bimayou
- Castor oil
- Castorbean oil
- Cataputia major oil
- Cataputia minor oil
- Croton spinosus oil
- Lama palagi oil
- Maskerekur oil
- Oleum ricini
- Ricinus africanus oil
- Ricinus angulatus oil
- Ricinus armatus oil
- Ricinus atropurpureus oil
- Ricinus badius oil
- Ricinus borboniensis oil
- Ricinus cambodgensis oil
- Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil
- Ricinus communis castor seed oil
- Ricinus communis fibre oil
- Ricinus communis oil
- Ricinus communis seed oil
- Ricinus compactus oil
- Ricinus digitatus oil
- Ricinus europaeus oil
- Ricinus gibsonii oil
- Ricinus giganteus oil
- Ricinus glaucus oil
- Ricinus hybridus oil
- Ricinus inermis oil
- Ricinus japonicus oil
- Ricinus krappa oil
- Ricinus laevis oil
- Ricinus lividus oil
- Ricinus macrocarpus oil
- Ricinus macrophyllus oil
- Ricinus medicus oil
- Ricinus medius oil
- Ricinus messeniacus oil
- Ricinus metallicus oil
- Ricinus microcarpus oil
- Ricinus minor oil
- Ricinus nanus oil
- Ricinus obermannii oil
- Ricinus oil
- Ricinus peltatus oil
- Ricinus perennis oil
- Ricinus persicus oil
- Ricinus purpurascens oil
- Ricinus ruber oil
- Ricinus rugosus oil
- Ricinus rutilans oil
- Ricinus sanguineus oil
- Ricinus scaber oil
- Ricinus speciosus oil
- Ricinus spectabilis oil
- Ricinus tunisensis oil
- Ricinus undulatus oil
- Ricinus urens oil
- Ricinus viridis oil
- Ricinus vulgaris oil
- Ricinus zanzibarensis oil
- Ricinus zanzibarinus
- Toto ni vavalagi oil
- Uluchula skoki oil
- External IDs
- E-1503
- Fema no. 2263
- Ins no.1503
- INS-1503
Pharmacology
- Indication
Indicated for over-the-counter use as a laxative for oral use and as a soothing agent for topical use on skin and hair.
Reduce drug development failure ratesBuild, train, & validate machine-learning modelswith evidence-based and structured datasets.Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.- Associated Conditions
Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Management of Constipation ••• ••• •••••••• Treatment of Constipation ••• ••• •••••••• Symptomatic treatment of Occasional constipation •••••••••••• ••••••• - Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Prevent Adverse Drug Events TodayTap into our Clinical API for life-saving information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events with our Clinical API- Pharmacodynamics
Castor oil is a potent laxative that was shown to be effective for short-term constipation. In a prospective study, the group receiving oral castor oil was associated with a higher likelihood of initiation of labour compared to the placebo group 4. Castor oil is known to induce diarrhea, and has been used in studies to assess anti-diarrheal effect of some compounds 6.
- Mechanism of action
Castor oil is a mix of triglycerides consisting of mainly ricinolein, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, dihydroxystearic acid, and traces of other fatty acids 6. The main pharmacodynamic effects of castor oil are mediated by ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid released from castor oil by intestinal lipases 2. It was believed that ricinoleic acid acts as an anionic surfactant that reduces net absorption of fluid and electrolytes, and stimulates intestinal peristalsis 6. However, a recent study suggests that ricinoleic acid interacts with EP3 prostanoid receptors expressed on intestinal and uterine smooth muscles. Via activating EP3 prostanoid receptors on intestinal and uterine smooth muscle cells, ricinoleic acid promotes laxation and uterus contraction, respectively 2. EP3 receptor act as the major prostanoid receptor in the intestine mediating propulsive effects on gut motility, and activation of EP3 receptors has been demonstrated to evoke contraction of uterine smooth muscle 2.
Target Actions Organism AProstaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype agonistactivatorHumans UProstaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype agonistHumans - Absorption
After oral ingestion of castor oil, ricinoleic acid is released by lipases in the intestinal lumen and absorbed in the intestine 2. Findings from the rat study suggest that the absorption of castor oil is inversely related to the administered dose, but the absorption is virtually complete at small doses (4g) 6.
- Volume of distribution
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Protein binding
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Metabolism
Castor oil is hydrolyzed to glycerol and ricinoleic acid via pancreatic or intestinal lipase activity 6. Ricinoleic acid is metabolized systemically and the metabolites are excreted 6. Fatty acids are expected to be degraded by pancreatic and intestinal lipase.
Hover over products below to view reaction partners
- Route of elimination
Fecal recovery of radio-labelled castor oil ranged from 11.4% (for 10 g dose of castor oil) to 86.0% (for 44.4 g dose of castor oil) 6.
- Half-life
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Clearance
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomesWith structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates. View sample adverse effects data in our new Data Library!Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.- Toxicity
Castor oil is considered minimally toxic when administered orally to humans; the estimated lethal oral dose is 1-2 pints of undiluted oil 8. Findings from a repeat-dose study in mouse report an oral LD50 value of >5000 mg/kg and NOAEL is approximately >2500 mg/kg/day in rat 7. Digestive tract irritation following oral ingestion, skin contact sensitization, and contact dermatitis have been reported for castor oil 6,8.
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs Browse all" title="About SNP Mediated Effects/ADRs" id="snp-actions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Learn More" title="About Drug Interactions" id="structured-interactions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Drug Interaction Integrate drug-drug
interactions in your softwareAcetazolamide The risk or severity of dehydration can be increased when Acetazolamide is combined with Castor oil. Aclidinium The therapeutic efficacy of Castor oil can be decreased when used in combination with Aclidinium. Alfentanil The therapeutic efficacy of Castor oil can be decreased when used in combination with Alfentanil. Alloin The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Castor oil is combined with Alloin. Amantadine The therapeutic efficacy of Castor oil can be decreased when used in combination with Amantadine. - Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Castor Oil Liquid 100 % Oral Rw Consumer Products Ltd 1995-12-31 2001-07-16 Canada 
Castor Oil Liquid 1 g/1mL Oral Kroger co 2001-04-19 Not applicable US 
Castor Oil Liquid 1 g/1mL Oral Topco Associates LLC 1991-09-15 Not applicable US Castor Oil Oil 100 mL/100mL Oral Paddock Laboratories, Inc. 1978-10-01 2015-07-31 US Castor Oil Liquid 1000 mg/1mL Oral Meijer Distribution, Inc. 2023-03-10 Not applicable US - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Balsamic Liniment Castor oil (35.6 g/40g) + Betula pendula tar oil (1.2 g/40g) Liniment Topical Borisovskiy Zavod Medicinskikh Preparatov Jsc 2000-12-22 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US CLBiO Cleansing Pack Castor oil (0.3 g/100g) + Apricot kernel oil (0.3 g/100g) + Avocado (0.3 g/100g) + Coconut oil (91.9 g/100g) + Grape seed oil (0.3 g/100g) + Schisandra chinensis fruit (0.3 g/100g) Soap Topical CLBiO Co., LTD. 2016-08-25 Not applicable US Granulex Castor oil (788 mg/1g) + Balsam of Peru (87 mg/1g) + Trypsin (0.12 mg/1g) Spray Topical Mylan Institutional 1967-03-01 2018-05-31 US
Categories
- ATC Codes
- A06AB05 — Castor oil
- Drug Categories
- Classification
- Not classified
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- D5340Y2I9G
- CAS number
- 8001-79-4
References
- General References
- Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Kasi Viswanath LC, Maples R, Subong BJ: Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights. 2016 Sep 7;9:1-12. doi: 10.4137/LPI.S40233. eCollection 2016. [Article]
- Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nusing RM, Diener M, Offermanns S: Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109. Epub 2012 May 21. [Article]
- Ogunniyi DS: Castor oil: a vital industrial raw material. Bioresour Technol. 2006 Jun;97(9):1086-91. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.03.028. [Article]
- Garry D, Figueroa R, Guillaume J, Cucco V: Use of castor oil in pregnancies at term. Altern Ther Health Med. 2000 Jan;6(1):77-9. [Article]
- DailyMed: Top Care Castor Oil [Link]
- Assessment report on Ricinus communis L., oleum - European Medical Agency [File]
- European Commission: Review of Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) [File]
- NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM: NTP Technical Report on the Toxicity Studies of Castor Oil in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dose Feed Studies) [File]
- External Links
- PubChem Substance
- 347911121
- 2129
- Wikipedia
- Castor_oil
- MSDS
- Download (39.7 KB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 4 Completed Treatment Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Disease / Evaporative Dry Eye Disease / Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) / Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome 1 2 Completed Not Available Preterm Delivery 1 2 Completed Supportive Care Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) 1 2 Completed Treatment Wound 1 2 Terminated Treatment Pressure Ulcers / Spinal Cord Injuries 1
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Liniment Topical Liquid Oral Liquid Oral 1 mL/1mL Liquid Oral 1 g/1mL Liquid Oral 1000 mg/1mL Oil Oral 100 mL/100mL Liquid Oral 100 % Liquid Oral 98.25 mL / 100 mL Liquid Oral 99.4 % Soap Topical Spray Topical Patch Topical Cream Topical 2 g/100g Oil Oral 1 g/1mL Emulsion Oral 36.4 % Capsule Capsule 1 G Gel Topical Liquid Cutaneous Liquid Oral 1 mg/1mL Emulsion Oral 60 ml Emulsion Oral 120 ml Emulsion Oral 64 g/150ml Oil Oral 1 mg/1mL Ointment Topical Liquid Oral 94.8 % Cream Topical Oil Oral 5 mg/5ml - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Liquid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) -10 MSDS boiling point (°C) 300 MSDS
Targets
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Yes
- Actions
- AgonistActivator
- General Function
- Rna polymerase ii transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific dna binding
- Specific Function
- Receptor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2); the EP3 receptor may be involved in inhibition of gastric acid secretion, modulation of neurotransmitter release in central and peripheral neurons, inhibition ...
- Gene Name
- PTGER3
- Uniprot ID
- P43115
- Uniprot Name
- Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype
- Molecular Weight
- 43309.335 Da
References
- Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nusing RM, Diener M, Offermanns S: Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109. Epub 2012 May 21. [Article]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Agonist
- General Function
- Prostaglandin e receptor activity
- Specific Function
- Receptor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The activity of this receptor is mediated by G(s) proteins that stimulate adenylate cyclase. Has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle. May play an important role...
- Gene Name
- PTGER4
- Uniprot ID
- P35408
- Uniprot Name
- Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype
- Molecular Weight
- 53118.845 Da
References
- Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nusing RM, Diener M, Offermanns S: Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109. Epub 2012 May 21. [Article]
Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at July 03, 2021 01:48