Why in news?
The Gujarat Anti‑Terrorism Squad recently arrested three men, including a doctor, for allegedly trying to extract the deadly toxin ricin from castor beans and planning attacks in Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The case has drawn public attention to this naturally occurring poison and raised questions about its lethality and ease of production.
Background
Ricin is a toxic protein found in the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which is widely cultivated to produce castor oil. After the oil is extracted, the residual “cake” contains ricin, comprising about 1–5 percent of its weight. Even tiny amounts of the toxin are lethal; experts note that as little as 1 mg mixed into food can kill an adult. Because castor beans are common and the extraction process is relatively simple, ricin has been investigated as a potential bioterrorism agent.
Mode of action and effects
- Protein synthesis inhibition: Ricin enters cells and binds to ribosomes, the structures that translate genetic code into proteins. By disabling ribosomes, ricin halts protein synthesis and causes cells to die.
- Routes of exposure: Ricin can poison a person if it is ingested, inhaled or injected. Ingestion can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure and multiple organ failure. Inhalation may cause coughing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness; injection can cause severe swelling and immediate organ damage. There is no specific antidote; treatment focuses on supportive care and symptomatic relief.
- Safety of castor beans: Swallowing whole castor beans usually causes no harm because the hard seed coat prevents ricin from being released. Castor oil is safe because ricin is removed during processing.
Notable incidents and precautions
Ricin has been used in a few high‑profile attacks, most notably the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov in London in 1978, where a pellet containing ricin was injected with an umbrella. Because the toxin is easy to obtain from castor beans, law‑enforcement agencies monitor ricin‑related activities closely. Handling castor seeds and meal requires protective equipment, and awareness campaigns emphasise that any deliberate use of ricin is a serious criminal offence.
Source: Indian Express; CDC – Ricin Facts