Therapeutic role of Ricinus communis L. and its bioactive compounds in disease prevention and treatment

Assessment of Immunomodulatory Potential of an Ayurvedic Formulation, Nirocil Syrup in Wistar Rats

“…As far as the immunomodulatory property of these plants is concerned, P. niruri has scientifically been studied and evaluated in various clinical trials on infectious diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B [5,17], pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) [10,11,18,19], vaginitis [20], as well as varicella-zoster infection [21]. In such diseases, the effective immune system is crucial for the treatment and successful eradication of pathogens [19,22].…”

Ricin and Ricinus communis in pharmacology and toxicology-from ancient use and “Papyrus Ebers” to modern perspectives and “poisonous plant of the year 2018”

“…The study of Despeyroux and co-workers revealed a large extent of heterogeneity between different cultivars (the D form which is found in large grain seeds, whereas the small grain seeds seem to contain both D and E forms of ricin toxins) and demonstrated that ricin toxins consist of a series of glycosylated proteins most likely originating from a multigene family (Despeyroux et al 2000). Additionally, diverse phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, phenolic compounds like kaempferol, gallic acid, rutin, lupeol, ricinoleic acid, pinene, thujone as well as gentisic acid have been described as bioactive compounds in Ricinus communis (see Abdul et al 2018 and references therein).…”

“…The evaluation of extracts of Ricinus communis also identified insecticidal properties, e.g., against aphids (Olaifa et al 1991), tobacco mosaic virus infection (Taylor et al 1994), Anopheles arabiensis or Culex quinquefasciatus (Elimam et al 2009;Wachira et al 2014), and a number of other activities (see, e.g., Upasani et al 2003;Zahir et al 2010;Abdul et al 2018). Furthermore, the anti-nematode effect of castor meal was found (Severino et al 2012 and references therein).…”

“…Beyond castor oil, a number of its phytochemical ingredients have been studied for their pharmacological and therapeutic effects. These include anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-oxidant, central analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-nociceptive, anthelminthic, anti-fertility, laxative, uterine contracting, anti-implantation, anti-asthmatic, bone regenerative, molluscicidal, anti-ulcer, anti-histaminic, wound-healing, insecticidal, anti-arthritic, anti-dandruff, and hepatoprotective activities (see Hänsel et al 1994;Abdul et al 2018). Furthermore, a novel fusion protein between ricin A chain (RTA) and pokeweed anti-viral proteins (PAPs; Phytolacca Americana) has been developed.…”

“…In alternative medicine, the blow-promoting effect of castor oil is known and explored as so-called blow cocktail in obstetrics. There are also descriptions on its use as a human nutritional supplement, an emetic, or a purgative as well as for treating a wide range of diseases around the world (e.g., Scarpa and Guerci 1982;Poelchen and Wirkner 2003;Olsnes 2004;Rana et al 2012;Roxas-Duncan and Smith 2012;Tunaru et al 2012;Abdul et al 2018;https://www.naturinstitut.info/ rizinusoel.html).…”