Castor Oil Plant "Ricinus communis"

Castor oil plant "Ricinus communis" plays a part in many home remedies, but the actual plant itself is more likely to kill you than cure you. The seeds contain one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances known to man, according to Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Just one seed can kill a child, as the toxic protein ricin can cause severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

The castor oil plant "Ricinus communis" is originally native to Africa, but is cultivated all over the world as a commercial or ornamental plant. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The seeds, used for making oil, contain ricin, a potent poison that damages animal tissue. 

Ingestion of seeds may cause a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, severe gastro intestinal irritation with vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. Symptoms may be delayed hours to days after ingestion. Liver damage and life threatening poisoning can occur. Respiratory and eye irritation may result from close proximity to the plant, particularly when blooming

A fatal dose for an adult is four to eight seeds. Symptoms of ricin poisoning can appear up to 36 hours after ingestion, but usually within two to four hours. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. 

Within several days, dehydration, reduced blood pressure and reduced urination appear. Without medical attention, death occurs within three to five days.

Warning: 

Seek urgent medical attention if seeds are ingested.