Page 38 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

Uses:

The seed is used as a source of castor oil.
✓ Short-term treatment (3–5 days) for acute constipation when other

dietary methods or bulk-forming laxatives have not provided adequate

relief.
✓ The laxative action is due to the liberation of free ricinoleic acid in the

duodenum. for
✓ As a cathartic for use in bowel evacuation prior to surgery.
✓ Used externally for topical dermatoses and dermatitis

inflammatory skin disorders, abscesses, inflammation of the middle

ear and headaches (poultice.)

Contraindications

✓ The oil is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or allergy to

the oil, appendicitis, chronic inflammatory bowel disorders,

undiagnosed abdominal pain or severe dehydration associated with the

loss of salt and water. It should not be used in cases of intestinal

blockage and ileus.

✓ The oil should not be used as a laxative during pregnancy or while

breastfeeding or in children under the age of 12 years.

Warnings

Induction of labour: use of the crude drug in pregnancy (after 40 weeks of

gestation) requires the supervision of a physician, midwife or other

experienced health care professional As a cathartic: intake of cathartic drugs

for more than a few days may lead to a worsening of intestinal hypo-motility.
Do not take for more than 3–5 days without consulting a health care

professional. Overdose may lead to nausea, vomiting, painful abdominal

cramps and severe diarrhea with loss of water and electrolytes. In case of

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