Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis, which contain 46-55% castor oil by weight. It is considered inedible due to its toxicity and nauseating aftertaste, though it can be used as a laxative when taken in the recommended quantities (R).
The castor oil plant has a long history of ethno-pharmaceutical use, and features in the herbal pharmacopoeia of many countries (R). The oil in particular is used in traditional Persian medicine as a treatment for skin diseases, including hyperpigmentation (R), and is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and emollient properties (R).
Castor oil has good shelf life and it does not turn rancid unless subjected to excessive heat (R). It is also non-volatile and resistant to oxidation (R).
Outcome | Grade | Effect | Studies | |||||||
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Skin Elasticity |
C
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Wrinkles |
C
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Under Eye Circles |
C
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Skin Redness |
E
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