Castor oil has long been used commercially as a highly renewable resource for the chemical industry. 1, 2 It is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) that is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America, and India. 3, 4 Major castor oil-producing countries include Brazil, China, and India.
Where does castor oil come from?
Lipid Insights. 2016; 9: 1¨C12. Castor oil, produced from castor beans, has long been considered to be of important commercial value primarily for the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, and coatings, among others. Global castor oil production is concentrated primarily in a small geographic region of Gujarat in Western India.
How is castor oil extracted?
Castor oil seed contains about 30%¨C50% oil (m/m). 74, 75 Castor oil can be extracted from castor beans by either mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, or a combination of pressing and extraction. 74 After harvesting, the seeds are allowed to dry so that the seed hull will split open, releasing the seed inside.
How much husks does castor oil produce?
For each ton of castor oil, 1.31 tons of husks and 1.1 tons of meal are generated. A study by Lima et al 62 showed that blends of castor meal and castor husks used as fertilizer promoted substantial plant growth up to the dose of 4.5% (in volume) of meal. However, doses exceeding 4.5% caused reduction in plant growth and even plant death.