# Eranda Patra

> Eranda Patra (Ricinus communis L. (leaves)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Euphorbiaceae family. Ricinus communis referenced in WHO publications on medicinal plants; leaves not separately monographed; documented in Ayurvedic Formulary of India for external therapeutic use.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ricinus communis L. (leaves)
- **Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Ricinus communis referenced in WHO publications on medicinal plants; leaves not separately monographed; documented in Ayurvedic Formulary of India for external therapeutic use

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Patra |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ricinus communis L. (leaves)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Ricinine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#ricinine) (alkaloid)
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin)
- [Phytol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytol)
- Phytyl palmitate
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- Gallic acid
- N-demethylricinine
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

## How does it work?

- Ricinine alkaloid exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of NF-kB pathway and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) in macrophage models
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (rutin, kaempferol, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) provide wound healing activity by promoting fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis while reducing oxidative stress at wound sites
- Phytol acts as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and reducing reactive oxygen species generation in inflammatory tissue

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects validated in carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid writhing models, supporting traditional Ayurvedic use of [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Patra poultice for Vataroga (pain and inflammation)
- Wound healing activity confirmed through in vivo studies showing enhanced granulation and epithelialization, supporting traditional topical application for Vrana (wounds)
- Antibacterial properties validated against multiple pathogenic bacteria, supporting traditional use for infectious conditions

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Ramothloa TP, Mkolo NM, Motshudi MC and others 2025. [Phytochemical Composition and Multifunctional Applications of Ricinus communis L.: Insights into Therapeutic, Pharmacological, and Industrial Potential](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807390/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [40807390](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807390/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules30153214](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153214)  
  GC-MS analysis of leaf extracts revealed 48-53 peaks identifying dominant compounds including phytol, phytyl palmitate, and tetracontane with significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Ramothloa TP, Mkolo NM, Motshudi MC and others 2025. [Phytochemical Composition and Multifunctional Applications of Ricinus communis L.: Insights into Therapeutic, Pharmacological, and Industrial Potential](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807390/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [40807390](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40807390/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules30153214](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153214)  
  Leaf extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial effects supporting traditional medicinal applications; chloroform fraction showed highest antibacterial efficacy.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Castor leaves contain ricinine alkaloid which is toxic at high concentrations (though much less toxic than ricin found in seeds); topical use is generally safer than internal administration
- Traditional Ayurvedic practice uses castor leaves primarily as external poultice (Patra Pinda Sweda) for joint pain, which minimizes systemic toxicity concerns
- Internal use of leaf preparations should be limited and under medical supervision; avoid during pregnancy and lactation; monitor liver function with prolonged use

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh leaf juice), Lepa (leaf paste for external use), Churna (dried leaf powder), Taila (leaf-medicated oil), Poultice (traditional Patra Pinda Sweda)

**Standard Dosage:** External use primarily: leaf paste/poultice applied to affected area; 5-10ml fresh leaf juice (limited internal use, practitioner guidance); 3-5g dried leaf powder twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Castor leaves (Ricinus communis) contain flavonoids ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), kaempferol [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)), ricinine (low levels), and leaf-specific [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids). Topical application of leaf paste provides direct local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Percutaneous absorption of flavonoids is enhanced by leaf [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) and natural surfactants. For internal use (limited), flavonoid bioavailability is moderate. Patra Pinda Sweda (leaf bolus steam therapy) delivers volatiles through dermal and inhalation routes simultaneously. Fresh leaf juice has higher bioactive content than dried material.

**Optimal Timing:** External application: warm poultice or paste applied to affected joints/muscles, preferably in the evening. Patra Pinda Sweda: therapeutic sessions typically 30-45 minutes. Internal use: before meals if prescribed.

**Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized by total flavonoid content NLT 2% (as quercetin equivalent) and ricinine content (for safety monitoring). Extract ratio 6:1 for dried leaf extract.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh leaves: use within 24 hours; 1 year (dried leaf powder); 2 years (Taila); Pinda Sweda bolus: prepare fresh for each session

**Storage:** Fresh leaves: cool, damp cloth wrapping, refrigerate. Dried leaf powder: airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Taila: amber glass bottles at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, Kaempferol, Ricinine (trace - safety marker), Rutin, Beta-sitosterol, [Chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll) content (freshness indicator)

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh leaf juice expression (Swarasa)
- Leaf paste preparation (Kalka) for topical use
- Aqueous decoction of dried leaves
- [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila)-based leaf Taila (traditional oil processing)
- Leaf bolus preparation for Patra Pinda Sweda therapy

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) leaves in Patra Pinda Sweda for musculoskeletal pain
- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila for comprehensive anti-Vata therapy
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) paste for anti-inflammatory poultice
- With [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) and [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) in Vata-pacifying external formulations

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.