A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF RICINUS COMMUNIS (LINN.)

The importance of natural product research in treatment of disease has been increased because of its natural source and comparatively lesser side effects. The Ricinus communis (RC) has high traditional and medicinal value for maintain the disease free healthy life. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, antihistaminic, antinociceptive, antiasthmatic, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, central nervous system stimulant, lipolytic, wound healing, insecticidal, larvicidal, insecticidal, molluscicidal activity. The pharmacological activities are due to the presence of variety of phytoconstituents in the plant, the major phytoconstituent reported in this plant are quercetin, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-d-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-d-xylopyranoside, ricinine, N-demethylrecinine. The objective of the present review was focused on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of the RC.