# Eranda Moola

> Eranda Moola (Ricinus communis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Ricinine has good oral bioavailability (>50%) with rapid absorption. Flavonoids from root have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). Unlike the oil from seeds, root preparations are primarily used for anti-inflammatory and Vata-pacifying actions rather than purgation.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ricinus communis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Moola |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Kashayam (root decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Tablet, Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5g root powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule/tablet twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Castor root (Ricinus communis root) contains [ricinine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#ricinine) alkaloid, [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), and [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols) distinct from the seed oil profile. Ricinine has good oral bioavailability (>50%) with rapid absorption. Flavonoids from root have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). Unlike the oil from seeds, root preparations are primarily used for anti-inflammatory and Vata-pacifying actions rather than purgation. Traditional decoction (Kashayam) preparation optimizes water-soluble alkaloid and glycoside extraction.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for Vata disorders and joint conditions; Kashayam in the morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous extract standardized to NLT 0.1% ricinine by HPLC. Kwath Ghana: extract ratio 8:1. HPTLC fingerprint with characteristic bands for ricinine and flavonoid markers.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (root powder); 2.5 years (tablet/capsule); 3 years (Kwath Ghana, sealed)

**Storage:** Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Root powder is moderately hygroscopic - include desiccant in packaging.

**Marker Compounds:** Ricinine, N-demethylricinine, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashayam - 16:1 reduced to 4:1)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Hot water extraction under reflux
- Spray-dried aqueous extract for Kwath Ghana

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for comprehensive Vata management
- With [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) for anti-inflammatory synergy in joint disorders
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for anti-inflammatory and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) combination
- With [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida) for neuromuscular conditions
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for Vata-pacifying [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) combination

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/eranda-moola/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.