Eranda Moola
Ricinus communis
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.
| Botanical name | Ricinus communis |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Also known as | Eranda Moola, ErandaMoola |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5380041 · Wikidata Q155867 · NCBI Taxonomy 3988 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 alkaloid, flavonoids, and 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, Stigmasterol, Quercetin 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 for comprehensive Vata management
- With Rasna for anti-inflammatory synergy in joint disorders
- With Punarnava for anti-inflammatory and diuretic combination
- With Bala (Sida) for neuromuscular conditions
- With Ashwagandha for Vata-pacifying adaptogenic combination
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses2
- 2023. Natural products for the treatment of denture stomatitis: A systematic reviewThe Journal of prosthetic dentistry. PMID 34247854 · doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2021.05.022
- 2023. Identifying candidates for the phytoremediation of copper in viticultural soils: A systematic reviewEnvironmental research. PMID 36273594 · doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.114518
Other clinical studies and reviews10
- 2024. The Search for Antidotes Against RicinMini reviews in medicinal chemistry. PMID 38350844 · doi:10.2174/0113895575270509231121060105
- 2021. Is it safe to consume traditional medicinal plants during pregnancy?Phytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 33164294 · doi:10.1002/ptr.6935
- 2021. Ricin poisoning: A review on contamination source, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and reporting of ricin poisoningToxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. PMID 33711365 · doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.004
- 2021. Therapeutic potential of castor oil in managing blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eyeClinical & experimental optometry. PMID 33037703 · doi:10.1111/cxo.13148
- 2019. Intracellular Transport and Cytotoxicity of the Protein Toxin RicinToxins. PMID 31216687 · doi:10.3390/toxins11060350
- 2018. Proteomic Methods of Detection and Quantification of Protein ToxinsToxins. PMID 29495560 · doi:10.3390/toxins10030099
- 2011. Ricinus communis intoxications in human and veterinary medicine-a summary of real casesToxins. PMID 22069699 · doi:10.3390/toxins3101332
- 2005. Ricin poisoning: a comprehensive reviewJAMA. PMID 16278363 · doi:10.1001/jama.294.18.2342
- 2003. Ricin poisoningToxicological reviews. PMID 14579548 · doi:10.2165/00139709-200322010-00007
- 2003. Aeroallergens in clinical practice of allergy in India. An overviewAnnals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. PMID 14677902
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