Castor / Ricinus communis

The Basics

What is Castor / Ricinus communis?

Regularly given to children to treat infections with parasitic worms.

Brand names for Castor / Ricinus communis

N/A

How Castor / Ricinus communis is classified

Cathartics, Complementary Therapies, Oils, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Castor / Ricinus communis During Pregnancy

Castor / Ricinus communis pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Castor / Ricinus communis while pregnant

N/A

Taking Castor / Ricinus communis While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Castor / Ricinus communis?

Castor (Ricinus communis) beans contain triglycerides, mostly consisting of ricinoleic acid esters, and small amounts of the toxic ricin and ricine. Pressing of the beans produces castor oil and purification of the oil eliminates the ricin and ricine. Castor oil is a strong stimulant laxative. Castor beans as well as a homeopathic preparation of castor purportedly reduce milk flow,[1] but it is also reportedly used as a galactogogue.[2][3] A poultice of castor leaves is a purported galactogogue.[4][5] In some parts of India, castor oil is also reportedly applied to the breasts to stimulate lactation.[5] No scientifically valid clinical trials support either of these uses and some preparations may be toxic to the infant. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[6] No data exist on the excretion of any components of the castor plant or castor oil into breastmilk or on their safety and efficacy in nursing mothers or infants. However, little of the active ricinoleic acid is thought to be absorbed from the intestine. Because of a lack of information, other laxatives may be preferred in nursing mothers. In traditional Indian culture, castor oil has been administered to newborn infants during the first 2 to 3 days of life, often resulting in adverse effects.[7][8] Administration of castor oil to newborns is dangerous and should be avoided. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Castor (Ricinus communis) beans contain triglycerides, mostly consisting of ricinoleic acid esters, and small amounts of the toxic ricin and ricine. Pressing of the beans produces castor oil and purification of the oil eliminates the ricin and ricine. Castor oil is a strong stimulant laxative. Castor beans as well as a homeopathic preparation of castor purportedly reduce milk flow,[1] but it is also reportedly used as a galactogogue.[2][3] A poultice of castor leaves is a purported galactogogue.[4][5] In some parts of India, castor oil is also reportedly applied to the breasts to stimulate lactation.[5] No scientifically valid clinical trials support either of these uses and some preparations may be toxic to the infant. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[6] No data exist on the excretion of any components of the castor plant or castor oil into breastmilk or on their safety and efficacy in nursing mothers or infants. However, little of the active ricinoleic acid is thought to be absorbed from the intestine. Because of a lack of information, other laxatives may be preferred in nursing mothers. In traditional Indian culture, castor oil has been administered to newborn infants during the first 2 to 3 days of life, often resulting in adverse effects.[7][8] Administration of castor oil to newborns is dangerous and should be avoided. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Castor / Ricinus communis on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Castor / Ricinus communis

(Cathartic) Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Senna.