| ≥1 piece |
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean (or preferably castor seed as the castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) is not member of the bean family). Castor oil is extremely versatile and unique in its composition. Castor oil consists for 90% of the unsaturated C:18 ricinoleic fatty acid. It is a major source of sebacic acid. Castor oil and its derivatives have major applications in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals and perfumes. The poison ricin is made from the byproducts in the manufacture of castor oil. About 1% of the global castor oil production goes into medical or health store products. It is used to ease constipation and as an emetic to induce vomiting. Consumption of large amounts of castor oil (below lethal doses, such as one bottle) can induce labor in near-term pregnant women. It is notorious for its strong taste, which was for many years a standard gag in comic strips and Our Gang film shorts