The castor oil plant, also known as the miracle tree, may not work miracles, but it should still be taken seriously. It is known both as an ornamental plant in local gardens and as a remedy. What about its toxicity?
Castor oil seeds in particular are highly toxic
Highly toxic plant
Especially the seeds of the castor (a spurge plant) have it all. It's the active ingredient called ricin - a protein that causes red blood cells to clump together. Even one consumed seed can lead to death. There is no antidote.
The following symptoms of poisoning can occur in both humans and animals within 48 hours after eating the seeds of the overwintering castor oil plant:
- mucosal irritations
- kidney damage
- liver damage
- nausea
- Vomit
- bloody diarrhea
- cramps
- Gastrointestinal Pain
tips
If you have planted the castor bean and are worried about your pets or children, you should remove the old inflorescences before the fruit with the poisonous seeds can develop.