The Uses of Castor Oil Emulsion

Castor oil is a relatively safe and nontoxic compound that has been traditionally used as an over-the-counter laxative. Castor oil emulsions are often found in skin creams, shampoos, lipsticks and balms. Current research has shown many other applications for castor oil emulsion, mainly to slow the absorption of medications taken through an IV, ingested or used topically.

Castor Oil in Eyedrops

• Castor oil emulsion has been shown to enhance the integrity of tear layer, or film, protecting the eye. An article appearing in the April 2010 issue of "Contact Lens and the Anterior Eye" investigated the effects of castor oil on the tear film and to quantify its prevalence in the fluid over time. The researchers tested an eyedrop solution containing a castor oil emulsion using patients with "dry eye." The study found that the castor oil emulsion remained for up to four hours after a single drop was administered and ameliorated the condition by promoting a stable tear film.

Drug Delivery System

• Tilmicosin is an antibiotic typically given to cattle to prevent bacterial and mycoplasmal diseases. The drug is more effective if it can be released over an extended period of time. A study published in the April 2009 issue of the "Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" investigated the time-release qualities of tilmicosin prepared with castor oil emulsion to slow the absorption rate. The study found that mice injected with the drug using the new technology had a sustained dosage as compared to the traditional administration using a phosphate-based solution.

Castor Oil and IV Drugs

• Castor oil emulsions have also been the subject of research for poorly soluble medications for the suppression of the immune system. An article published in the May 2009 issue of "Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy" investigated the effects of a castor oil derivative to deliver drugs intravenously. The authors found that the immunosuppressive drug, tacrolimus, retained its integrity and was less toxic to red blood cells when delivered using a castor oil vehicle.

Castor Oil and Ingested Medications

• Time-released medications passing through the gastrointestinal tract do not succumb to the acidity of the stomach as quickly when they are delivered in an emulsion of castor oil. A study published in the June 2008 issue of "Acta Pharmaceutica" described the actions of microbeads containing castor oil that allow a drug to "float" in the stomach and delay the time of its digestion. The study found that the medication was able to release over an eight-hour period, which was a significant improvement.