A review of the chemical composition, modification, and biomedical application of Ricinus communis

Abstract

According to research, the use of fuels based on plant oil is replacing fuels based on petroleum as we move towards renewable resources. In comparison to fossil fuels, natural oils like castor oil offer competitive physicochemical properties. Natural oils are renewable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly, which has sparked much research interest in their use. Vegetable oils are much more in demand for domestic and industrial uses due to the growing global population. Vegetable oils derived from plants have been noted as having a high nutritional value. Castor plant seeds are among those with high oil content because of their high unsaturated fatty acid content and bioactive components. Its fatty acid composition primarily consists of ricinoleic acid, with a small amount of stearic, palmitic, and also oleic acids. Because ricinoleic acid in castor oil is distinct from all other oils (vegetable), it is preferred for an ample range of applications. Castor oil contains a variety of minor biological substances, such as phytosterol, tocotrienol, tocopherol, phenolic components, phospholipids, and carotenoids. Since bio-oils are versatile, they may be utilized in various sectors, including electronics, food, paper and agriculture. Castor oil may be utilized in various grades and has many derivatives. For various applications, bio-binders are regarded as the material with the most potential. Therefore, this study summarises the physical and chemical characteristics of castor oil, its composition, the process used to create different castor oil derivatives and its uses.