Production in India: The major castor growing states in the country are Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Rajasthan. It is also grown in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

History: Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4,000 B.C. and is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical East Africa. Evidence of its cultivation was discovered circa 500 B.C. in central Egypt where it was used in cosmetics, medicines and as a lamp oil. Castor oil is mentioned in the Ebers papyrus in recipes intended to treat numerous health conditions and ailments. Castor oil was used in other areas of ancient and medieval Africa to cure leather, in skin and hair preparations and as a medicinal agent.

Active Ingredient: Ricinoleic acid is an active ingredient of Castor oil. Ricinoleic acid acts as an anionic surfactant that reduces net absorption of fluid and electrolytes, and stimulates intestinal peristalsis