Castor bean seed ingestions: a state-wide poison control system's experience
S L Thornton1, M Darracq, J Lo
1Poison Control Center, University of Kansas Hospital , Kansas city, KS , USA.
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Castor bean seed ingestions, while concerning due to ricin, primarily cause gastrointestinal symptoms. This study found no serious morbidity or mortality in reported cases, suggesting a lower risk than anticipated.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis) contain ricin, a potent protein synthesis inhibitor.
- Ingestion poses a risk of toxicity, necessitating an understanding of exposure characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize castor bean seed exposures reported to a state poison control system.
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with castor bean seed ingestions.
Main Methods:
- Observational case series reviewing poison control data from 2001-2011.
- Data collected included exposure circumstances, seed quantity, symptoms, laboratory values, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- 84 cases identified: 59% unintentional, 40% intentional ingestions.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea) were most common; no serious morbidity or mortality reported.
- Laboratory abnormalities were rare; ricinine confirmed in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Castor bean seed ingestions commonly cause GI symptoms but are not typically associated with severe outcomes.
- The actual risk of serious toxicity from castor bean seed ingestion warrants ongoing evaluation.
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