From Oil to Active Extracts: A Review of the Physiochemical Properties to Therapeutic Activities of Ricinus communis

Castor oil, derived from the castor bean plant, has been used for centuries and is known for its wide range of medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The castor oil plant is monotypic, it can vary greatly in growth, habitat and appearance. Ricinolic acid acid is the major contributor of castor oil. Castor bean plant contains many secondary metabolites like tannins, glycosides, triglycerides, lignin, alkaloids, flavonoids etc., out of these alkaloids have significant role. The quality of castor oil is commonly assessed using parameters such as acid value, p-anisidine value, iodine value, saponification value and Thio-barbituric acid value. Castor oil shows different biological activities, like anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-biotic sensitivity assay. this review, therefore, encapsulates the composition of castor oil including its triglycerides, various fatty acids, and bioactive compounds along with the extraction methods, physiochemical characteristics, and biological properties.