Castor oil is an ingredient used in a variety of natural health products. Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) mainly cultivated in India, South America, Africa, and China.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
Castor oil is a mix of triglycerides consisting of mainly ricinolein, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, dihydroxystearic acid, and traces of other fatty acids. The main pharmacodynamic effects of castor oil are mediated by ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid released from castor oil by intestinal lipases. It was believed that ricinoleic acid acts as an anionic surfactant that reduces net absorption of fluid and electrolytes, and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. However, a recent study suggests that ricinoleic acid interacts with EP3 prostanoid receptors expressed on intestinal and uterine smooth muscles. Via activating EP3 prostanoid receptors on intestinal and uterine smooth muscle cells, ricinoleic acid promotes laxation and uterus contraction, respectively. EP3 receptor act as the major prostanoid receptor in the intestine mediating propulsive effects on gut motility, and activation of EP3 receptors has been demonstrated to evoke contraction of uterine smooth muscle.
- Primary indication
- Indicated for over-the-counter use as a laxative for oral use and as a soothing agent for topical use on skin and hair.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- First approval
- Canada, 2000 · United States, 2024
- Also known as
- Agaliya oil · Bimayou · Castorbean oil · Cataputia major oil · Cataputia minor oil
- Code names
- E-1503 · Fema no. 2263 · INS-1503 · Ins no.1503
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of March 06, 2025
Which drugs share a target with Castor oil, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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