Ricin

The protein ricin is generated from the seeds of the castor oil plant ("Ricinus communis"). It is a naturally occurring chemical found in the byproduct (called "mash") of castor oil extraction. As a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), ricin inhibits protein synthesis in cells, ultimately leading to cell death.

Ricinus communis L. Mamona

Ricin is available as a powder, a mist, a pellet, or a solution in water or a mild acid. It is incredibly strong and even minute quantities can be fatal. Depending on the route of exposure, ingestion, inhalation, and injection are the most hazardous types of ricin exposure. Poisoning with ricin may result in severe symptoms, organ failure, and death.

Ricinus communis

Symptoms

Depending on the route of exposure, symptoms of ricin exposure may include:

• If consumed, ricin can induce severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which can proceed to multi-organ failure and death.
• Inhaling ricin can cause severe respiratory discomfort, cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and respiratory failure.
• Injected ricin can cause severe local tissue damage, necrosis, and failure of many organs.
• Direct contact with ricin powder can produce redness, discomfort, and irritation of the skin and eyes, although it is normally not absorbed in large quantities via the skin to induce systemic poisoning.

Ricinus communis semen

Treatment

No precise antidote exists for ricin poisoning. Supportive and symptomatic treatment focuses on preserving critical functions, giving breathing assistance, and supplying intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Immediate medical care is essential for increasing the likelihood of survival.

Issues Regarding Bioterrorism

Due to its extreme toxicity, availability, and ease of manufacture, ricin has garnered interest as a potential bioterrorism agent. States and international organizations have taken measures to limit the manufacturing, distribution, and ownership of ricin in order to reduce the likelihood that it may be utilized for criminal purposes.

Summary

Ricin is a glycoprotein toxic from the seed of the castor plant. It blocks protein synthesis by altering the RNA, thus killing the cell. Ricin’s significance as a potential biological warfare agent relates to its availability worldwide, ease of production, and extreme pulmonary toxicity when inhaled.