Vegetable oil castor (CO) is inedible but is widely used as a bioresource material for coatings, adhesives, lubricants, biofuels, cosmetics, and biodegradable polymers. Because of its adaptable chemical characteristics, castor oil is utilized in biorefineries, medicines, and medicine [1].

Natural triglycerides like castor oil have laxative qualities and can help pregnant women go into labor. Wild-type mice that are given castor oil get severe diarrhea that starts around half an hour after the oil is given. The duration of the laxative effect is roughly two hours [2].

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion
…Some intestinal metabolites are absorbed before intestinal clearance. Ricinoleic acid esters, like other anionic surfactants, reduce net absorption of body fluids and electrolytes and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Ricinoleic acid is also absorbed and metabolized like other fatty acids. Two rabbits (3 kg) were fed a diet containing 6% castor oil for 18 days; feces were collected during the last 10 days. The utilization rate of castor oil (uncorrected for metabolized fat) was 92.1%, considered efficient utilization. The fat content in the feces of both rabbits was 2.2%. Adult rats (number, weight, and strain not specified) were fed a diet containing 48.4% castor oil for 4 to 6 weeks. Control group rats were fed a normal diet. Feces were collected from three rats fed castor oil. After the feeding period, excised organs/tissues were thoroughly ground, and phospholipid fatty acid samples were extracted from the liver, small intestine, and muscle; glycerol fatty acid samples were extracted from the liver and adipose tissue. No laxative symptoms were observed in any of the animals. The mean percentages of ricinoleic acid in phospholipid fatty acids were as follows: liver (experimental group: 1.3 ± 0.6% [9 analyses]; control group: 1.7 ± 1.1% [7 analyses]), small intestine (experimental group: 4.9 ± 1.7% [8 analyses]; control group: 6.0 ± 4.4% [4 analyses]), and skeletal muscle (experimental group: 3.6 ± 2.9% [8 analyses]; control group: 4.0 ± 1.7% [7 analyses]). The following values represent the mean percentages of ricinoleic acid in glycerides and cholesterol esters: adipose tissue (experimental group: 6.8 ± 4.2% [11 analyses]; control group: 0.5 ± 0.5% [7 analyses]) and liver (experimental group: 7.2 ± 2.4% [8 analyses]; control group: 5.6 ± 4.1% [5 analyses]). The study concluded that feeding castor oil did not result in significant amounts of ricinoleic acid in the phospholipids of the small intestine, liver, and skeletal muscle, or in liver triglycerides. Furthermore, the study concluded that ricinoleic acid is a component of triglycerides in adipose tissue, accounting for 7% of total fatty acids. The fatty acids excreted by the three rats accounted for 2.1%, 2.2%, and 3.6% of their intake, respectively. The total body fat content of these three animals was also measured, calculating that 1% to 2% of the absorbed ricinoleic acid was deposited in adipose tissue. This leads to the conclusion that ricinoleic acid is rapidly metabolized.
For more complete data on the absorption, distribution, and excretion of castor oil (7 types), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Metabolism/Metabolites
Castor oil is a triglyceride that is hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes in the human body, releasing glycerol and ricinoleic acid.
In the small intestine, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze castor oil into glycerol and ricinoleic acid. Like other anionic surfactants, ricinoleate reduces the net absorption of body fluids and electrolytes and stimulates intestinal motility. The absorption and metabolism of ricinoleic acid are similar to those of other fatty acids. Castor oil was administered orally to germ-free and normal rats (number not specified). Urine was collected at 24-hour intervals. The following epoxidized dicarboxylic acids were detected in the urine of both germ-free and normal rats: 3,6-epoxyoctanoic acid; 3,6-epoxysebacic acid; and 3,6-epoxydodecanoic acid. These acids were not detected in rat urine collected before administration of castor oil, nor in steam-sterilized castor oil. The results in germ-free rats indicate that the cyclization of ricinoleic acid (a hydroxy fatty acid in castor oil) to form epoxides is endogenous and does not require the presence of intestinal bacteria. Castor oil (10 to 15 ml) was administered orally to three healthy subjects. Urine was collected 2 to 8 hours after administration. The following three epoxide dicarboxylic acids are excreted in urine: 3,6-epoxide octanoic acid; 3,6-epoxide sebacic acid; and 3,6-epoxide dodecanoic acid.

Effects During Pregnancy and Lactation
◉ Overview of Use During Lactation
Caster beans (Ricinus communis) contain triglycerides, primarily ricinoleate, as well as small amounts of the toxic ricin and ricinine. Castor beans are pressed to produce castor oil, which is purified to remove ricin and ricinine. Castor oil is a potent stimulant laxative. Homeopathic preparations of castor beans and castor are said to reduce milk production, but there are also reports of their use as a galactagogue. Castor leaf paste is also considered a galactagogue. In some parts of India, castor oil is reportedly applied to the breasts to stimulate lactation. There are currently no scientifically valid clinical trials to support these uses, and some preparations may be toxic to infants. Galactagogues should never replace assessment and consultation regarding controllable factors affecting milk production. There is currently no data on whether the castor plant or castor oil components are excreted into breast milk, or their safety and efficacy for breastfeeding mothers or infants. However, it is believed that the active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, is absorbed in very small amounts in the intestines. Due to a lack of relevant information, breastfeeding mothers may be more inclined to choose other laxatives. In traditional Indian culture, castor oil is given to newborns for the first 2 to 3 days after birth, but this often leads to adverse reactions. Giving castor oil to newborns is dangerous and should be avoided. Dietary supplements do not require extensive premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, but are not required to prove their safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and there are often differences between the ingredients listed on the label and the actual ingredients or amounts. Manufacturers may commission independent agencies to verify the quality of their products or their ingredients, but this does not mean that the product has been certified as safe or effective. Due to the above issues, clinical trial results for one product may not apply to other products. For more detailed information on dietary supplements, please visit other pages on the LactMed website. ◉ Effects on Breastfed Infants In rural India, it is traditionally practiced to give infants castor oil for the first 2 to 3 days after birth to clear meconium from their intestines. This practice may lead to paralytic ileus and aspiration pneumonia. There are also reports of a 1.5-month-old infant who developed severe hypoalbuminemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition after being given castor oil daily by his grandmother starting on the fifth day of life.
◉ Effects on lactation and breast milk
As of the revision date, no relevant published information was found.

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Interactions
This soap was able to protect guinea pigs from lethal doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxins. Therefore, bile saponification and the formation of basic fatty acid esters are normal host defense mechanisms against exotoxins (proteins), but ineffective against endotoxins (polysaccharides).

[1]. Castor oil: a suitable green source of capping agent for nanoparticle syntheses and facile surface functionalization. R Soc Open Sci. 2018 Aug 15;5(8):180824.

[2]. Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84.

Castor oil is a pale yellow or nearly colorless, transparent, viscous liquid with a slightly pungent odor and an unpleasant taste. Its density is 0.95 g/cm³. Castor oil is a mixture of glycerides, the main component of which is ricinoleic acid glyceride (a glyceride of ricinoleic acid). Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) and is used as a laxative and plasticizer. See also: Castor oil (note moved to). Mechanism of Action: Castor oil is classified as a stimulant because the breakdown of fat in the small intestine releases ricinoleic acid… Ricinoleic acid can stimulate smooth muscle and inhibit the absorption of water and electrolytes, leading to fluid accumulation outside the body, but it is unclear whether these changes affect fluid flow or laxative effects within the body. In a study involving male Cr1:CD BR rats, results showed that castor oil-induced diarrhea was due to the activation of NK1 and NK2 receptors by endogenous tachykinin.

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Therapeutic Uses
Laxative; Emollient; Pharmaceutical Excipient
Caster oil has been used orally for laxative treatment…/Previous Uses/
Caster oil is used in cosmetics and food, and also in pharmaceutical preparations for oral, parenteral, and topical use. As an excipient, it is generally considered a relatively non-toxic and non-irritating substance.
…Usually used only when rapid and complete bowel emptying is required, such as in preparation for certain radiological examinations. /Previous Uses/
For more complete data on the therapeutic uses of castor oil (13 in total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Drug Warnings
Caster oil has been used as a laxative; large oral doses may cause nausea, vomiting, colic, and severe diarrhea. Castor oil is contraindicated in cases of intestinal obstruction.
Caster oil is contraindicated in pregnant women or women during menstruation.
…It should not be taken in the evening in an attempt to fall asleep.
Allergic reactions are rare when castor oil is used for medical purposes. For more drug warnings about castor oil (full version) (12 in total), please visit the HSDB records page.

C57H104O9

933.45

932.768

8001-79-4

14030006

Colorless to light yellow liquid

1.0±0.1 g/cm3

879.2±65.0 °C at 760 mmHg

-12ºC

224.1±27.8 °C

0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C

1.490

17.72

3

9

53

66

1110

0

O([H])C([H])(C([H])([H])/C(/[H])=C(/[H])\C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C(=O)OC([H])(C([H])([H])OC(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])/C(/[H])=C(/[H])\C([H])([H])C([H])(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H])O[H])=O)C([H])([H])OC(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])/C(/[H])=C(/[H])\C([H])([H])C([H])(C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H])O[H])=O)C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H]

ZEMPKEQAKRGZGQ-AAKVHIHISA-N

InChI=1S/C57H104O9/c1-4-7-10-31-40-51(58)43-34-25-19-13-16-22-28-37-46-55(61)64-49-54(66-57(63)48-39-30-24-18-15-21-27-36-45-53(60)42-33-12-9-6-3)50-65-56(62)47-38-29-23-17-14-20-26-35-44-52(59)41-32-11-8-5-2/h25-27,34-36,51-54,58-60H,4-24,28-33,37-50H2,1-3H3/b34-25-,35-26-,36-27-

2,3-bis[[(Z)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoyl]oxy]propyl (Z)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate

CCRIS 4596; NCI-C55163; Castor Oil

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

Ethanol : ~4.55 mg/mL (~50.61 mM)

Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

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Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80： Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution → 50 μL Tween 80 → 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300 ：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO → 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin → 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO → 100 μLPEG300 → 200 μL castor oil → 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10： 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol → 100 μL Cremophor → 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300：Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH → 400 μLPEG300 → 50 μL Tween 80 → 450 μL Saline)

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Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).

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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders

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Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)