Castor oil
Related Terms
- Aceite de ricino (Spanish), AllanDerm-TT, asiixa'a (Nahuatl), castor oil, castor seed, Cremophor ELT (CrELT), Cremophor RH40 (AquaLubT), Emulsoil?, Euphorbiaceae (family), Fleet Castor Oil?, Granul-dermT, Granulex?, hydrogenated castor oil (Cutina? HR), kiki, lemon-flavored castor oil (Purge?), linoleic acid, Mexico seed, mole bean, oleic acid, OptaseT, Palma Christi (Spanish), polyoxyl 35 castor oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated, RevinaT, ricin, ricino (Spanish), ricinoleic acid, Ricinus communis, RICOM-1013-J, undecylenic acid, xcoch (Mayan), XenadermT.
- Select combination products: AllanDerm-TT, Granul-dermT, OptaseT, RevinaT, Trypsin Complex, XenadermT, Balsa-Derm?, Granul?, and Granulex? are brand names for a topical spray composed of trypsin, balsam of Peru, and castor oil.
Background
- Castor oil, referred to as "kiki" and used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to treat many conditions, is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor seed (Ricinus communis). The name "castor" was given to the plant by English traders who confused its oil with the oil of another shrub called "agno-casto" in Jamaica.
- Castor oil may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin or eyes. Castor oil packs, which are applied to the skin, are traditional holistic treatments for many conditions.
- Castor oil is used as a folk remedy around the world. In India, it is massaged into the breasts after childbirth to encourage milk flow. In Ayurvedic medicine, a plaster-like mixture of castor oil seeds is applied to swollen and tender joints. In China, the crushed seeds are used to treat weaken or paralyzed muscles in the face. Castor seeds have been used in traditional medicine as an oral birth control agent among tribes from Nigeria.
- When taken by mouth, clinical trials have shown that castor oil may act as a laxative or promote bowel movements before a colonoscopy or related procedures. Castor oil typically promotes bowel movement activity within 3-5 hours after ingestion. Castor oil may also induce labor in late pregnancies.
- Castor oil is thought to potentially relieve aches and strains by drawing lactic acid out of the muscles. A rub composed of hot castor oil massaged into an infant's belly has been used to relieve colic and expel intestinal gas.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Early evidence has shown that a single dose of castor oil given by mouth may help cleanse the bowels. Some research suggests that castor oil is more effective at causing bowel movements than a high-fiber diet or milk of magnesia and cascara. There is disagreement about whether castor oil is better than a commercial kit composed of magnesium citrate oral solution, phenolphthalein, and bisacodyl.
|
A |
Early evidence has shown that a single dose of castor oil given by mouth may help cleanse the bowels. Some research suggests that castor oil is more effective at causing bowel movements than a high-fiber diet or milk of magnesia and cascara. There is disagreement about whether castor oil is better than a commercial kit composed of magnesium citrate oral solution, phenolphthalein, and bisacodyl.
|
A |
Early evidence suggests that castor oil may promote cramping of the intestines and uterus, causing labor in late pregnancies when taken by mouth. Its activity may be as effective as oxytocin but with fewer associated risks. Limited research suggests that leakage of amniotic fluid into the mother's bloodstream and signs that the baby has had a bowel movement while still inside the womb may occur after taking castor oil by mouth. Further studies are needed before conclusions are made.
|
B |
Early evidence suggests that castor oil may promote cramping of the intestines and uterus, causing labor in late pregnancies when taken by mouth. Its activity may be as effective as oxytocin but with fewer associated risks. Limited research suggests that leakage of amniotic fluid into the mother's bloodstream and signs that the baby has had a bowel movement while still inside the womb may occur after taking castor oil by mouth. Further studies are needed before conclusions are made.
|
B |
Early evidence suggests that castor oil may help prepare the digestive systems for a radiological exam, endoscopy, or colonoscopy. Some research suggests that although a single dose of castor oil given by mouth may be effective, its oily texture, unpleasant taste, and adverse effects limit its appeal. Additional research is needed in this area before a strong conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Early evidence suggests that castor oil may help prepare the digestive systems for a radiological exam, endoscopy, or colonoscopy. Some research suggests that although a single dose of castor oil given by mouth may be effective, its oily texture, unpleasant taste, and adverse effects limit its appeal. Additional research is needed in this area before a strong conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Limited research suggests that applying eyedrops made from castor oil and water may promote tear formation and reduce tear evaporation for individuals with dry eye. Additional research is needed in this area before a strong conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Limited research suggests that applying eyedrops made from castor oil and water may promote tear formation and reduce tear evaporation for individuals with dry eye. Additional research is needed in this area before a strong conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Castor seeds have been used in traditional medicine as an oral form of birth control among tribes in Nigeria. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
C |
Castor seeds have been used in traditional medicine as an oral form of birth control among tribes in Nigeria. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- For most conditions, 15-60 milliliters of castor oil has been given by mouth.
- For bowel cleansing, a single dose of 30-80 milliliters of castor oil with water has been used.
- To prepare for a colonoscopy, 60 milliliters of castor oil has been taken by mouth the night before the examination, with only water to be consumed afterwards.
- For birth control, castor seeds, weighing 2.3-2.5 grams, have been given as a single oral dose with water after 4-5 days of menstruation.
- To cause childbirth, a single 60-milliliter dose of castor oil has been taken by mouth.
- To reduce inflammation of the eyelash follicles, castor oil has been applied over the eyelashes and eyelids at least 3-4 times daily for one week.
- For conjunctivitis, 1-2 drops of castor oil have been applied to the eyes twice daily for three days.
- For dry eyes, eyedrops containing a castor oil and water mixture have been used three times daily for 30 days.
- For eye styes, two drops of castor oil in the affected eye 3-4 times daily for two days have been used.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Castor oil may increase blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking agents that affect blood pressure.
- Castor oil may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that regulate p-glycoprotein activity, anti-inflammatory agents, birth control agents, digoxin, diuretics (agents that control electrolyte levels), droperidol, laxatives, levomethadyl, painkillers, and silver sulfadiazine.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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Chen, C. C., Ng, W. W., Chang, F. Y., and Lee, S. D. Magnesium citrate-bisacodyl regimen proves better than castor oil for colonoscopic preparation. J.Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 1999;14(12):1219-1222.
Di Pascuale, M. A., Goto, E., and Tseng, S. C. Sequential changes of lipid tear film after the instillation of a single drop of a new emulsion eye drop in dry eye patients. Ophthalmology 2004;111(4):783-791.
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