Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Potential and Industrial Applications of Ricinus communis L.: A Review

Abstract

This review consolidates current knowledge on the phytochemical composition, traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and industrial application of Ricinus communis L. This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a globally distributed plant of considerable medicinal and industrial importance. It is rich in bioactive compounds, notably ricinoleic acid as the dominant fatty acid in seed oil, as well as ricin, ricinine, phenolic acids and flavonoids distributed across different plant parts. Variations in phytochemical profiles among cultivars and tissues are influenced by genetic and environmental influences. Traditional medicinal uses of the leaves, roots, seeds, and oil, particularly for inflammatory conditions, pain, infections, wound healing, and gastrointestinal disorders, are critically examined in relation to experimental pharmacological evidence. Castor oil extracted from the R. communis plant remains central to the plant’s industrial value, serving as a renewable feedstock for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, lubricants, and biofuels due to the unique hydroxyl functionality of ricinoleic acid. However, the presence of the highly toxic protein ricin in unprocessed seeds necessitates strict processing and safety controls. Overall, R. communis emerges as a chemically versatile species with significant therapeutic and industrial potential, warranting further research into cultivar-specific chemistry, standardization of extraction and testing methods, and safe value-adding applications.