Ricin is a protein obtained from a dairy-like plant. The highest concentration of this poisonous substance is in the seeds. Eating a few inconspicuous grains in a short time leads to the destruction of all the most important internal organs, and thus - death.
Ricin , also known as toxoalbumin, is a toxic protein found in the seeds, stems and leaves of castor bean, a wild plant growing in the subtropics. The greatest amount of ricin can be obtained from castor seed waste.
Castor and castor oil
Castor oilis produced by cold squeezing oil from castor seeds and boiling it with water - high temperature allows for the decomposition of toxic ricin. The resulting oil can be used for skin care and treatment of various diseases, e.g. chronic constipation.
How can you get poisoned with ricin?
You can poison yourself with ricin through:
- contaminated food consumption,
- inhalation,
- injection.
The lethal dose of ricin is approximately 0.5 mg.
Ricin - how does the toxin work?
Ricin inhibits the action of ribosomes - places where proteins, which are the building material of our body's cells, are produced. The inhibition of the protein production process leads to the impairment of the protective function of the cell membrane. The barrier between the cell and the external environment becomes thinner and thinner, and finally DNA damage and apoptosis occur, i.e. cell death - its disintegration and removal from the body. The result of this process are serious inflammations that lead, among others, to to:
- ulcerative and haemorrhagic lesions of the digestive system,
- renal tubular necrosis,
- hypoglycemia (sudden drop in glucose),
- purulent pneumonia,
- respiratory ulceration.
Ricin - symptoms of poisoning
- fever
- excessive sweating
- muscle aches
- nausea and vomiting
- dehydration
- anuria
- pupil dilation
- hallucinations
Symptoms of ricin poisoning also depend on the route of its administration
- intramuscular route: skin and muscle pain at the injection site, enlarged lymph nodes
- Ingestion: bloody diarrhea, liver enlargement, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal ulceration
- airway: pulmonary edema, allergy symptoms
Ricin - treatment of poisoning
Unfortunately, there is no antidote to castin. Also, attempts to remove ricin from the body (e.g. by dialysis) are ineffective. Therefore, the treatment of a poisoned patient comes down to:
- constant observation,
- relieve inflammation symptoms,
- treatment of kidney and liver failure.