• Jada
• Verenda
• Endi
• Errandi
• Diveli
• Castor plant

HEALTH BENEFITS OF RICINUS COMMUNIS

Castor bean plant/ Ricinus communis is boasted with innumerable health benefits. Many are still being researched for like its property as a bone mineralizer, that needs further research. Thus, it is a plant attributed to extensive medical research. Now let us look into the various medicinal properties of this plant-

1. No side effect contraceptive- The oil extracted from this plant possesses anti-implantation, anti-conceptive and estrogenic activities in females.
2. Protects the liver- The flavonoids and tannins present in its oil increase the regenerative and repair capacity of the liver. When its whole leaves are consumed with water, it shows protective effect against liver necrosis and fatty liver disease.
3. Treats hyperglycemia- When the root extract of Ricinus communis plant is administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, it gives good results for fasting blood glucose levels, total lipid profile and soothes the function of both the liver and kidneys.
4. Anti-ulcer activity- The oil of the seeds of the castor plant shows good anti-ulcer properties at adose of 500 mg/kg body weight – 1000 mg/kg body weight. It does so by strengthening mucosa of the gut and thus enhances the mucosal defense.
5. Anti-microbial and anti-fungal activity- The oral cancer caused by compromised immune system can be treated with the dose of Ricinus communis along with other immune suppressant drugs.
6. Prevents asthma attacks- The flavonoids and saponins present in the extract of the roots of R. communis help in the treatment of asthma. They do so because of their antiallergic effect. They also stabilize the mast cells.
7. Anti-inflammatory effect- The extract of its leaves and roots protects from the various cellular steps during an edema formation. This protective role is attributed to the presence of flavonoids.
8. Wound healing activity- The active compounds found in the castor oil inhibits lipid peroxidation and thus fastens the process of wound healing. Its oil has astringent and antimicrobial properties due to which it prevents any delay in the process of wound healing.
9. Natural laxative – Castor oil is a very good laxative and improves the bowel movements. Beneficial if applied on sores at outer skin, caused due to constipation. It is recommended to take only 5-6 drops of castor oil for mild constipation. But in case of severe constipation, it is recommended to take 1 tsp of castor oil.

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Conclusion

Castor bean plant is a plant that is widely cultivated in India. It has numerous          health benefits that need to be revealed but still if one consumes this plant or its oil in moderation then its potential health benefits can be achieved without any side effects.