University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Pharmacy and Drug Artifacts
Classification
Pharmacy, General
Accession Number
1984.6.4
Description
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are dark brown beans with light brown speckles; sealed closure.
Clear cylindrical glass jar with black metal screw-on lid with cream paper label affixed to jar with black text describing contents; contents are dark brown beans with light brown speckles; sealed closure.
Used for Cancer, Diabetes, Inflammation, and as a laxative (modern day use), analgestic drug (pain reliver). Castor Bean contains toxic protein called ricin, but Castor Oil (ointment/eye drop form) does not. Has been cultivated for 6000 years and used as medicine for 4000 years. Can be made into castor oil.