Aamanakku, arandi in Hindi, is castor, a fast-growing shrub with large, star-shaped leaves and spiny seed capsules. India produces most of the world’s castor oil, mainly in Gujarat. The oil is a laxative and an industrial raw material for lubricants, paints and nylon. The raw seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic natural proteins; a few chewed seeds can kill a child.
- Botanical name
- Ricinus communis L.
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Tamil
- Aamanakku
- Hindi
- Arandi
- Sanskrit
- Eraṇḍa
- Parts used
- Seed oil (processed), Leaves in lists
- Habit
- Soft-wooded castor shrub; the oil is pressed, the raw seed is toxic
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Aamanakku
It is a soft-wooded shrub or small tree, often two to four metres, with hollow, often reddish stems.
The leaves are very large and palmately divided into five to eleven toothed, pointed lobes.
Flowers grow in upright spikes, with red, feathery female flowers above and yellow male flowers below.
The fruits are spiny, three-lobed capsules that split to release three seeds.
The seeds are oval, shiny and mottled brown, grey or red, like small beetles.
Traditional use of Aamanakku
Household
Castor oil was given as a purgative and rubbed into hair and skin in Indian homes.
Indian household practice
Farming
Gujarat farmers grow castor as a winter oilseed crop on light soils.
Gujarati farm practice
Ayurveda
Eranda oil is used in Ayurveda as a purgative and for joint pain.
Ayurvedic practice
Modern notes on Aamanakku
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which stimulates the bowel.
Ricin stays in the seed cake when oil is pressed, so refined oil is safe but the cake must be treated before use.
The oil is used to make lubricants, coatings and the plastic nylon-11.
Aamanakku safety
Never chew or swallow castor seeds, and keep them away from children; seek emergency care if any are eaten. Do not use castor oil as a laxative in pregnancy.
Ecology and sourcing
It probably originated in north-east Africa and grows as a weed across the tropics.
It is wind-pollinated.
It grows fast on disturbed, dry ground.
Related plants
Also in Euphorbiaceae
Questions about Aamanakku
Is castor oil safe?
Refined oil is, in small amounts. The seeds are not.
What is ricin?
A deadly toxin in castor seeds.
Where is castor grown?
Mainly in Gujarat.
Why are the leaves red in some plants?
Some varieties have red pigments.
Is Aamanakku used in industry?
Yes, for lubricants and plastics.
Sources
- Ricinus communis L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q155867 (Ricinus communis)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.