Avanakku

  • Botanical Name : Ricinus communis
  • English Name : Castor Bean
  • Sanskrit Name : Eranda
  • Malayalam Name : Avanakku (ആവണക്ക്)
  • Part Used : Leaf
About Image

Overview

  • Castor beans derive their name from wood ticks, Ixodes ricinus, owing to mottled seeds resembling a blood-gorged tick.
  • Indigenous to tropical Africa, the castor oil plant has naturalized in warm regions globally.
  • Ricinus is distributed worldwide, with evidence of cultivation dating back to 7000 BC in various cultures.
  • Commercially grown for pharmaceutical and industrial oil uses, as well as in landscaping.

Habitat

  • Indigenous to the Southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, Ricinus communis is widespread in tropical regions.
  • In suitable climates, it can become invasive, often found on wasteland, growing up to 5 meters (usually shorter).
  • Palmate leaves, peltate with 5-11 lobes, have a serrate margin and an acute apex.

Phytochemistry

  • Ricinus communis contains triterpenoids, flavonoids, lignin, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, etc.
  • Alkaloids, mainly in leaves, roots, and seeds, include a toxic enzyme called ricin.
  • The heating process during castor oil production deactivates ricin, ensuring safe use.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • Well-known medicinal use as a natural laxative for relieving constipation or bowel preparation.
  • Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment, promoting healing.
  • Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid, has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties.
  • Traditionally used in treating arthritis, backache, muscle aches, bilharziasis, chronic headache, constipation, expulsion of placenta, gallbladder pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, and sleeplessness.

Dermatological Perks

  • Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil moisturizes the skin and prevents water loss.
  • Used in cosmetics for hydration, it is added to lotions, makeup, and cleansers.
  • A natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions.
Office
Kerala:

1st Floor, KSIDC Investment Zone
SDF 2, Canal Pirivu, Palakkad
Kerala - 678621 India

Tamil Nadu:

2B, Mayflower
Brookefields Apartments
Sastri Road, RS Puram
Coimbatore – 641002
Tamil Nadu, India

UAE:

105, Aspect Towers
Business Bay, Dubai
PO Box 242982

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