Ricin: a deadly poison from the castor fruit seed plant

Definition

What is ricin poisoning?

Ricin is a poisonous protein found naturally in the seeds of the castor fruit (Ricinus communis). A small dose of ricin the size of one grain of salt can kill an adult.

Ricin poisoning can cause death within 36-72 hours of first exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhaled, swallowed, or injected) and how high the dose is. This poison is easy to produce.

If the seeds are chewed or swallowed, the ricin can be released into the body. However, chewing castor beans is not always fatal.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of ricin poisoning?

The symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on the pathway of your exposure, and how many doses you receive. In severe cases, ricin poisoning can damage many organs in the body.

The initial symptoms of ricin poisoning after inhaling it can occur about 4-8 hours after the first exposure, and no later than 24 hours after the first inhalation. If ricin is swallowed, symptoms can appear less than 10 hours afterward.

Slurping the ricin: A few hours after inhaling large amounts of ricin, the initial symptoms that appear are difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Gradually you will sweat profusely and the lungs will experience a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can make it more difficult for you to breathe, and your skin can turn blue. Finally, blood pressure will drop dramatically followed by respiratory failure, which can lead to death. If you notice you have inhaled ricin, get emergency medical help right away. Don't delay.

Swallow the ricin: If you swallow large amounts of ricin, you will experience vomiting and bloody diarrhea. As a result, you will experience severe dehydration, which is followed by a decrease in blood pressure. Other symptoms include seizures, and bloody urine. Within a few days, your kidneys, spleen, and kidneys will stop working, leading to death.

Exposure through skin and eyes: Ricin cannot be absorbed directly into healthy skin. However, touching the ricin powder can cause the skin to become red and sore. The ricin powder that gets into the eyes can also cause redness and irritation. If you touch the ricin powder on the skin and then immediately eat it without washing your hands, the ricin residue can be swallowed.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Cause

What causes ricin poisoning?

Ricin is a byproduct of the process of processing castor fruit seeds into oil. Ricin poisoning can be caused by direct exposure to ricin (intentionally or not), whether it is inhaled, swallowed, or injected into the skin.

In the body, ricin works to block the body's cells from making protein. If the body can not make protein, the cells will die after a long time. If the cells that make up the vital organs die, they stop functioning and you will die.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose ricin poisoning?

Diagnosis is made based on the method of exposure to poison. If ricin is used as a weapon of mass murder released in water or as an air bomb, the diagnosis can be made by observing the symptoms.

The diagnosis of ricin injection is difficult to make because there is no specific medical test to confirm ricin poisoning. However, a basic physical examination can help the doctor determine the cause. A complete diagnostic test can identify ricin levels in the blood within 24 hours. However, this test is not widely available.

How is ricin poisoning treated?

If you or someone close to you has ricin poisoning, immediately call 118/119 or visit the emergency department at the nearest hospital for help. There is no cure or vaccine to prevent ricin poisoning. Treatment is only about managing the symptoms:

If you are inhaled, you may need help with artificial respiration. If it's severe, you may need help with intubation or on a ventilator in the hospital.
If swallowed, the stomach contents will be pumped up and expelled immediately. You may be given to drink activated charcoal (activated charchoal) to absorb toxic residues in the body. To treat dehydration, the doctor can infuse fluids.
If symptoms include low blood pressure and convulsions, medication will be given according to the symptoms.
If ricin is injected, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection. Tetanus immunization may also be done as a preventive measure.

Prevention

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be taken to prevent ricin poisoning?

The only measure to prevent ricin poisoning that is most effective is to avoid exposure. However, there is no vaccine or antidote to cure ricin poisoning. During a mass gas attack, wearing a face mask can protect you from exposure to inhalation.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.