The Sound of Evolution
Castor oil
Mechanism of action:
Castor oil is a plant oil mainly obtained by cold pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis, and its main laxative-active component is ricinoleic acid. Castor oil itself is an inactive prodrug. After entering the small intestine, it is hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase to produce ricinoleic acid, which then stimulates the intestinal mucosa and the myenteric plexus, leading to increased intestinal motility, increased secretion of water and electrolytes, and inhibition of sodium and water absorption. This enlarges stool volume, increases stool water content, and promotes defecation.
Reference(s):
1. Patel VR et al. (2016). Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production. Lipid Insights.
2. Tunaru S et al. (2012). Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.