Tag: Natural toxins

Ricin, a potent protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant, is listed as a potential bioterrorism agent by the CDC. While the plant is cultivated globally for its versatile oil, its shiny, mottled seeds contain a highly poisonous substance, leading to the crucial question: Which part of castor is poisonous? The danger is primarily concentrated in the seeds, which contain the lethal ricin toxin.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies ricin as a Category B bioterrorism agent, highlighting its lethal potential as a poison found naturally in castor beans. While the castor oil plant is the source, it is crucial to understand the distinct difference between the highly toxic seeds and the purified, safe-to-use oil that is extracted and processed.