Intoxication with Ricin - Biochemical Weapon

Ricin, a toxic glycoprotein found in the seeds of castor oil plant, is capable of irreversible cellular adhesion and inhibition of protein synthesis. The authors performed an up to date review concerning the chemical structure, mechanism of action, poisoning symptoms and treatment, and potential uses of ricin as a biochemical weapon. Castor oil plant is easy to cultivate and harvest worldwide and, except the United States of America, cultures and processing plants are not supervised. Ricin extraction does not require laborious and costly technique and it is undetectable once in the body (except for urine in case of ricin ingestion). Poisoning generates nonspecific symptoms and is potentially fatal with no antidote or specific treatment available. Forensic specialists must be aware of symptoms and post-mortem findings in order to make a correct diagnosis of ricin poisoning.