This form of torture was potentially deadly, as the administration of the castor oil was often combined with nightstick beatings, especially to the rear, so that the resulting diarrhea would not only lead to dangerous dehydration but also infect the open wounds from the beatings. This technique was said to have been originated by Gabriele D'Annunzio or Italo Balbo. Political dissidents were force-fed large quantities of castor oil by fascist squads so as to induce bouts of extreme diarrhea in the victims. It was a favorite tool used by the Blackshirts to intimidate and humiliate their opponents. The most famous use as punishment came in Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini. Belgian military officials prescribed heavy doses of castor oil in Belgian Congo as a punishment for being too sick to work. ![]() Colonial officials used it in the British Raj (India) to deal with recalcitrant servants. Ī heavy dose of castor oil could be used as a humiliating punishment for adults. Physicians recommended against the practice because they did not want medicines associated with punishment. Since children commonly strongly dislike the taste of castor oil, some parents punished children with a dose of it. Īccording to the American Cancer Society, "available scientific evidence does not support claims that castor oil on the skin cures cancer or any other disease." Punishment Īlthough used in traditional medicine to induce labor in pregnant women, there is no clinical evidence that castor oil is effective for dilating the cervix or inducing labor. 1550 BCE Ebers Papyrus, and was in use several centuries earlier. Use of castor oil as a laxative is attested to in the c. Traditional medicine Advertisement of castor oil as a medicine by Scott & Bowne Company, 19th century For example, the legume pigeon pea is commonly available coated in oil for extended storage. It stops rice, wheat, and pulses from rotting. In India, Pakistan, and Nepal, food grains are preserved by the application of castor oil. Polyoxyethylated castor oil (e.g., Kolliphor EL) is also used in the food industries. In the food industry, food-grade castor oil is used in food additives, flavorings, candy (e.g., polyglycerol polyricinoleate in chocolate), as a mold inhibitor, and in packaging. Use of castor oil for simple constipation is medically discouraged because it may cause violent diarrhea. The laxative effect of castor oil is attributed to ricinoleic acid, which is produced by hydrolysis in the small intestine. Human uses Ĭastor oil has been used orally to relieve constipation or to evacuate the bowel before intestinal surgery. Average composition of castor seed oil / fatty acidsĪnnually, 270,000–360,000 tonnes (600–800 million pounds) of castor oil are produced for a variety of uses. soybean, sunflower, and canola oils sold for about $0.30/kg ($0.14/lb). As an example, in July 2007, Indian castor oil sold for about US$0.90/kg ($0.41/lb), whereas U.S. Because of its ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is a valuable chemical in feedstocks, commanding a higher price than other seed oils. The chemical reactivity of the alcohol group also allows chemical derivatization that is not possible with most other seed oils. This functional group causes ricinoleic acid (and castor oil) to be more polar than most fats. ![]() Among fatty acids, ricinoleic acid is unusual in that it has a hydroxyl functional group on the 12th carbon atom. Composition Structure of the major component of castor oil: triester of glycerol and ricinoleic acidĬastor oil is well known as a source of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated, 18-carbon fatty acid. An alternative etymology, though, suggests that it was used as a replacement for castoreum. The name probably comes from a confusion between the Ricinus plant that produces it and another plant, the Vitex agnus-castus. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are the other significant components.Ĭastor oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, and perfumes. It includes a mixture of triglycerides in which about 90% of fatty acids are ricinoleates. ![]() Its boiling point is 313 ☌ (595 ☏) and its density is 0.961 g/cm 3. It is a colourless or pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor. Castor beans A bottle of castor oilĬastor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. For the fictional character from the Thimble Theatre comic strip, see Castor Oyl.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |