Castor Oil

What is castor oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis, which contain 46-55% castor oil by weight. It is considered inedible due to its toxicity and nauseating aftertaste, though it can be used as a laxative when taken in the recommended quantities (R).

The castor oil plant has a long history of ethno-pharmaceutical use, and features in the herbal pharmacopoeia of many countries (R). The oil in particular is used in traditional Persian medicine as a treatment for skin diseases, including hyperpigmentation (R), and is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and emollient properties (R).

Is castor oil stable?

Castor oil has good shelf life and it does not turn rancid unless subjected to excessive heat (R). It is also non-volatile and resistant to oxidation (R).