Ricin

Abstract

Ricin is a potent toxin derived from the castor plant, Ricinus communis L. Ricin intoxication mimics a variety of disease states, thus a low threshold of suspicion must be maintained to recognize a potential epidemic. The castor plant, native to the southeastern Mediterranean region, eastern Africa, and India, it is now widespread throughout temperate and subtropical regions. Experimental animal studies reveal that clinical signs and pathological manifestations of ricin toxicity depend on the dose as well as the route of exposure. Contact with ricin powders or products may cause redness and pain of the skin and the eyes. Underway to develop small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of ricin intoxication. Recent findings suggest that refinement of the newly identified ricin inhibitors will yield improved compounds suitable for continued evaluation in clinical trials.