1. Castor bean or castor oil seed is the ripe seed of Ricinus communis (Fam. Euphorbiaceae) Ricinus (Latin)- Bug or tick

2.  Annual  Height 15 meters  Fruit- 3 celled spiny capsule  Indigenous to india  Seed is anatropous, elliptical-ovoid, 8-18 mm length, 4-7.5 mm thickness  Seed grayish brown

3.  45-55% fixed oil  20% Protein Substances- consisting of globulin, albumin, nucleoalbumin, glycoprotein, ricin (a toxic lectin or hemagglutin) - an Alkaloid (ricinine) and - several enzymes  Seed coat yields- - 10% ash,  Kernel yields about 3.5%

4.  Ricin is not removed in the extraction of the castor oil but remains in the oil cake (Poisonous to cattle)  Castor bean pomace contains an allergen that causes allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals

5. Step-1 Passing the seed through decorticator roller with sharp edges (Breaks the testae do not injure kernel) Step-2 Testae are separated by sieves & compressed air Step-3 Kernels are subjected to pressure Step-4 Oil is steamed to destroy albumins filtered bleached

6.  Yield- cold-pressed separated by hydraulic press is 60%  Light colored  good grade  Castor oil is a pale yellowish or almost colorless, transparent, viscid liquid  faint, mild odor & bland, characteristic taste  mixtures of triglycerides (75% triricinolein),  Others- Diricinoleoglycerides with third acyl group- oleic, linoleic, dihydroxystearic or a saturated acid (stearic or palmitic).

7.  Triricinolein is hydrolyzed by lipases in the duodenum to release ricinoleic (12-hydroxy- octadec-9-enoic) acid  Which exerts a cathertic effect

8.  Stimulant cathartic  Dose: 15 to 60 ml  Plasticizer  In manufacture of soaps  Lubricant for internal combustion engine  Hydrogenated castor oil as stiffening agent in pharmaceutical formulations