Which biological agent is obtained from castor beans?

Which biological agent is obtained from castor beans?

Ricin
Ricin is one of the most toxic biological agents known—a Category B bioterrorism agent and a Schedule number 1 chemical warfare agent. Ricin toxin can be extracted from castor beans, purified and treated to form a pellet, a white powder, or dissolved in water or weak acid to be released as a liquid.

How is ricin not toxic to castor beans?

Castor bean seeds also contain the ricin homologue R. communis agglutinin (RCA120), which is a tetrameric protein composed of two A-chains (90% similar to the ricin A-chain) and two B-chains (84% similar to the ricin B-chain). RCA120 presents a reduced toxicity and a strong hemagglutinin of mammalian red blood cells8.

Which part of castor seed is poisonous?

Consuming the whole castor seed is UNSAFE. The outer coating (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. This outer coating can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, shock, severe fluid and chemical disturbances, damage to the liver, kidney, and pancreas, and death.

What level of toxicity is ricin?

Ricin is a naturally occurring carbohydrate-binding protein produced in the seeds of ricinus communis, the plant that produces castor oil. It is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or injected. As few as five to ten micrograms per kilogram can be lethal.

Can you touch a castor bean plant?

As mentioned, this plant is potentially very toxic. In the garden, danger from castor bean is not specifically from occasionally handling the plant, but from ingesting plant parts, namely the leaves and, especially, the seeds, which contain the greatest concentration of ricin.

How does castor seed prevent pregnancy?

There is some evidence that a single dose of castor seeds with the outer coat removed (hulled) can work as a contraceptive for up to 8-12 months. Dry eyes. Some research suggests that using eye drops containing castor oil might be effective for people with dry eyes. Stimulating full-term labor in pregnant women.

Is the castor plant poisonous?

Ricinoleic acid is the primary component of castor oil. Ricin (glycoprotein) is found in highest concentration in the seeds. The leaves of the castor bean plant are also poisonous causing transitory muscle tremors, ataxia, and excessive salivation. Fatalities are rare in animals eating the leaves.

Is it legal to buy castor beans?

There are no federal regulations restricting the possession of castor bean plants. According to a 2004 Congressional Research Service Report, castor bean plants and seeds are “openly sold” in the United States. There are, however, some states or cities (such as Hayward, Calif.) which have banned the castor bean plant.

How can you prevent bioterrorism?

Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes. Contact authorities and seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even to quarantine. If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.