Castor oil is used as a laxative (quite common in the past years, less today) in case of occasional constipation. This type of laxative is quite strong, in fact, it is part of irritants/stimulant laxatives, also called "Purgatory" agents.
What is Castor oil?
Castor oil is a dense type of oil, almost colorless, with a very unpleasant taste, which is extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, a treelike plant from the Euphorbia family. It is principally used as a purgative for the presence of ricinolein (80%) and the triglyceride of ricinoleic acid. Some chemical characteristics that distinguish it give it properties that are very rare in nature. However, castor beans also contain a toxic substance – ricin – which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures and arrhythmias, and in some cases, even coma and death. The presence of ricin and another toxic substance – the alkaloid ricin – may cause ingestion of a few castor seeds and it can be fatal.
The Castor oil, through the action carried out by the acid ricinoleic, acts by stimulating the secretion of water and salts from the small intestine, increasing intestinal peristalsis and promoting the progress of the feces towards expulsion. Usually, the laxative effect occurs after 6-12 hours after ingestion by causing bursts of semi-liquid stool.
How should Castor oil be taken?
The castor oil is commercially available for oral use.
Side effects associated with Castor oil
The use of Castor Oil as a Laxative – rather widespread in the past, not now – can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, as well as malabsorption. The presence of some toxic substances naturally contained in this oil can induce vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures and arrhythmias, and lead to potentially severe consequences such as coma and death.
It is also good to remember that prolonged use of irritants/stimulant laxatives can lead to addiction because the bowel stops functioning properly and peristalsis is reduced greatly, leading to a condition known as "lazy bowel" (overly energetic peristaltic contractions induced by taking this active ingredient can compromise with the functionality of the colonic musculature over time, which results in the bowels becoming unable to contract independently).
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Castor Oil
Castor oil should be taken on an empty stomach. It should not be given as a herbal remedy or to children under two years of age, as well as pregnant women (may cause violent uterine contractions). Moreover, it is contraindicated in individuals who suffer from various gastrointestinal disorders with occasional constipation (colitis, irritable bowel, bowel obstruction).
