Extraction and partial purification of ricin from Ricinus communis L.

Ricinus communis L., usually cultivated for production of oil, has some use in medicine, cosmetic industries and as motor oil. The defatted seed meal is very toxic, and can not be used as human or animal food. This study undertook extraction and identification of ricin, a toxalbumine, from Iranian Ricinus communis L. Ricin, was extracted from the seeds using dilute acid solution, salted out with ammonium sulfate, and purified by Sephadex G - 75 and DEAE - cellulose column chromatography. Disc electrophoresis showed the degree of the purification. Ricin is an anti-tumor and allergenic compound. It is also useful in biochemical research in gene control and protein systhesis.