# Eranda > Eranda (Ricinus communis L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Euphorbiaceae family. WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee established ADI for castor oil; included in multiple national pharmacopoeias; WHO recognizes traditional medicinal use. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Ricinus communis L. - **Family:** Euphorbiaceae - **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee established ADI for castor oil; included in multiple national pharmacopoeias; WHO recognizes traditional medicinal use ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Eranda | | Latin/Botanical | *Ricinus communis L.* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Ricinoleic acid (90% of seed oil fatty acids) - Ricin (toxic lectin in seeds, absent in oil) - [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) - Ellagic acid - [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) - Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) - [Ricinine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#ricinine) (alkaloid) - [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) ## How does it work? - Purgative: Ricinoleic acid activates EP3 prostanoid receptors in intestinal smooth muscle, stimulating peristalsis and fluid secretion - Anti-inflammatory: Ricinoleic acid activates PPAR-gamma, suppressing NF-kB-mediated inflammatory gene expression; [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and ellagic acid inhibit COX-2 - [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/): Capsaicin-like mechanism through TRPV1 receptor interaction by ricinoleic acid metabolites reduces pain signaling ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Purgative (Virechana) activity validated by clinical use and EP3 receptor-mediated mechanism in intestinal smooth muscle - Anti-arthritic use (Vatahara) supported by anti-inflammatory activity of ricinoleic acid through PPAR-gamma activation - Wound healing use confirmed by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity and promotion of granulation tissue formation in wound models ## 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) Comprehensive review from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science documented analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties with three key compounds ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), ellagic acid, [apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)) highlighted. - 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) Detailed multifunctional applications in therapeutic, pharmacological, and industrial domains; identified novel bioactive compounds with anti-cancer and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) potential. *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 oil is safe at standard [laxative](/reference/laxative/) doses (FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake: 0-0.7 mg/kg body weight); ricin toxin is absent in properly extracted oil - Seeds are highly toxic due to ricin content (a lethal lectin); never consume raw seeds; contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant activity) and intestinal obstruction ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Quercetin - Apigenin - Sitosterol - Ricinine - Kaempferol - Ricinoleic acid - Ricin - Ellagic acid - **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Taila (castor oil - primary form), Churna (root powder), Kashayam (root decoction), Paka (processed preparation), Capsule (oil-filled), Tablet (root extract) **Standard Dosage:** Castor oil: 15-30ml as purgative (single dose); 5-10ml for mild laxative; Root: 3-5g powder twice daily; 500mg root extract capsule twice daily **Bioavailability:** Ricinus communis seed oil ([Eranda Taila](/formulation/eranda-taila/)) contains ricinoleic acid (85-90%) which is released by lipase hydrolysis in the duodenum. Ricinoleic acid acts locally on intestinal EP3 receptors - systemic bioavailability is not the goal for purgative use. For anti-inflammatory applications, ricinoleic acid absorbed through skin (topical application) reaches inflamed tissues. Root [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (ricinine) have good oral bioavailability. Castor oil is also used as a carrier vehicle for other drugs, enhancing their absorption through lymphatic uptake. CRITICAL: Seeds contain ricin (toxic lectin) which is NOT present in properly extracted oil. **Optimal Timing:** Castor oil: early morning on empty stomach with warm water or milk for purgation; Root decoction: before meals for Vata disorders; External application: at bedtime with gentle massage **Standardized Extract:** Castor oil USP/BP: acid value <2, saponification value 176-187, [iodine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iodine) value 82-90, ricinoleic acid NLT 85% by GC. Root extract: hydroalcoholic, characterized by ricinine content and HPTLC fingerprint. **Shelf Life:** 3 years (castor oil, sealed); 2 years (root powder); 2 years (capsules); 3 years (Taila preparations) **Storage:** Castor oil: airtight containers, room temperature, protected from light. Root powder: airtight, moisture-proof containers below 25 deg C. Do not store near food products if handling raw seeds. Oil may become viscous at low temperatures - store above 15 deg C. **Marker Compounds:** Ricinoleic acid (oil), Ricinine (root - alkaloid), Linoleic acid (oil), Oleic acid (oil), N-demethylricinine (root), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/) ### Extraction Methods - Cold-pressing of seeds for castor oil (virgin grade) - Solvent extraction with hexane (commercial grade) - Aqueous decoction of roots - Hydroalcoholic extraction of root (70:30) - Traditional Taila preparation methods ### Synergistic Combinations - With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for mild, balanced purgation (Gandharvahastadi) - With Sunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) to reduce griping during purgation - With [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for Vata disorder management - With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) for external anti-inflammatory application - With [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) for musculoskeletal pain (external) --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/eranda/ ## 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.