CASTOR OIL

All About Castor oil history:
Castor oil is obtained from the bean of the castor plant called ricinus communis. Historically, it was used to stimulate labor by ancient Egypt. a survey conducted in 1999 stated that 93% of u.s. midwives were using castor oil to induce labor.

Castor Oil Specifications:

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Product	CASTOR OIL
Botanical Name	Ricinus communis
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Part of the plant used	Seed
Molecular formula	C57H104O9
Molecular weight	933.4 g/mol
CAS NO.	8001-79-4
HSN CODE	15162031
EINECS Number	232-293-8
Appearance	Viscid liquid
Color	Pale yellowish or almost colourless,transparent
Odour	Odour slight and characteristic
Light Absorption	Absorbance f 1.0%w/v solution in ethanol(95%)
	at the maximun about 269nm,NMT 1.0
PHYSIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES-
Optical rotation	(+1.5˙) to(+9.0˙)
Refractive Index	Between 0.9851 to 1.6541
Weight per ml	0.876 - 0.987
Foreign fatty acid	As per standard
Acid value	NMT 2.0
Hydroxyl value	NLT 150
Iodine value	72 - 110
Peroxide value	NMT 5.0
Saponification value	165 - 198
Acetyl value	NLT 143
Storage	In well filled, well closed,light resistant containers at
	temperature not exceeding 15˙c

Castor oil industrial benefits:

Antiviral and antimicrobial properties (Other Essential oil for Antimicrobial Properties) of castor oil make it popular in treating skin problems like dermatosis and fungal infections. it is very commonly used as a laxative. Many people use castor oil for hair growth.

EXTRACTION:
Castor oil is extracted by cold pressed method from the seeds of castor plant.

ORIGIN:
Castor is found from Mediterranean basin, Eastern Africa & India.
It is widespread throughout tropical region.

ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION:
Caster plant needs temperature approx. 20 Degree Celsius for better growth.
It can reach up to 3-4 Meter in heights, its growth is effected by frost & this plant remains short.
Cooler climate is suitable factor for the growth of Castor oil.
It is a decorative plant and found in park and other public areas.

11 SURPRISING BENEFITS AND USES IN PHARMA, COSMETIC AND FOODS:
Pharma Uses

1. Castor oil has many pharma uses.
2. It is very effective in healing the body; It is used by the people suffering from constipation.
3. Castor oil is used against irritable bowel syndrome.
4. It is used for the treatment of various skin conditions like tumors, cancer, Cyst and many others.
5. The castor oil is used as an insecticides and fungicides.
6. The oil helps in delaying the symptoms of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, mouth and soar sensation.

Cosmetics Uses

1. Castor oil can be applied to the scalp to induce hair growth.
2. It is a fatty vegetable oil it make ingredient of cosmetics products like lipstick, eyeliner, deodorant, Soaps and perfumes.
3. Castor oil can be applied to eyelashes, eyebrows to promote hair growth.

Food and Flavoring Uses

1. Castor oil is used in food and flavoring.
2. It works as food additive and flavoring agent.

ABSTRACT:
The chemical constituents of Castor oil are Ricinoleic acid, Palmitic acid, dihydroxy stearic acid, stearic acid alpha linoleic acid and oleic acid.

CONCOCTION:
Indian Castor oil easily blends with other essential oil and is useful in treatment of various diseases. It blends with other carrier oil.

SAFETY MEASURE:
Eye Contact:
If castor oil comes in contact with eye, wash eye with plenty of water till 15 minutes, if serious condition then call doctor immediately.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothes if castor oil comes in contact with skin. Wash thoroughly with fresh water at least 15 minutes. Contact a doctor immediately if irritations persist.
Inhalation:
If Castor oil is inhaled in high conc. Take the person to fresh air, if serious condition then calls the physician immediately

STORAGE & HANDLING:
While handling do not drink and smoke.
Do not leave the drum empty as empty drum.
Maintain the proper cleanness and hygiene.
Keep the drum in cool and dark place temperature below 25 °

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION:
Indian Castor oil should be avoided by pregnant women.
It can cause contraction; if person is hypersensitive to castor oil then the use of castor oil should be avoided. Children up to age 6 should not use castor oil. It may cause skin irritation.