Abstract

VALIDATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF CASTOR OIL (ERANDA TAILA) THROUGH REVERSE PHARMACOLOGY

Yadav Jyotsana*, Mishra H. S. and Agarwal Ajay Kumar

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Abstract

Castor oil (Eranda taila) is extracted from castor seeds and has a variety of health benefits. Ricinus communis Linn. (castor) belongs to a family Euphorbiaceae and usually has been cultivated for its medicinal uses as well as for household uses. All parts of plant i.e., root, bark, leaves, flower, fruit, seeds, oil possess high therapeutic value and has been used conventionally for the treatment of various diseases in human beings. The oil is pale yellowish or almost colourless, it is thick, volatile and sticky in consistency. It has a variety of uses in folk and traditional system of medicine but is currently approved for the use as a stimulant laxative by the FDA. It can be used against eye infections, liver disorders and in sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover Castor (Eranda) seed oil has an important role in preparation of pharma products and pesticides preparations. Castor (Eranda) oil plays an important role in the preparation of soaps, coating and lubricating agents. The aim of this study is to document and explore various literatures of Ayurveda and contemporary modern sciences for its therapeutic aspects and highlights its importance as a medicine. This review covers classical texts of Ayurveda viz. brihattrayee, nighantus and various other texts of Ayurveda along with contemporary publications. This review conceptually and comprehensively includes the therapeutic and neutraceutical uses of castor oil as per Ayurveda as well as modern sciences.

Keywords: Ricinus communis Linn., ricin, Castor oil, Eranda taila, ricinoleic acid.