Evidence supporting the use of: Castor
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Castor oil, derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, has a long history of traditional use for various skin ailments, including fungal infections. Scientifically, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has demonstrated antifungal properties in several in vitro studies. For example, research published in the journal Mycoses (2000) found that ricinoleic acid can inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Another study in Fitoterapia (2002) demonstrated similar antifungal activity against dermatophytes. However, most of these findings are restricted to laboratory settings and there is a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of castor oil for treating fungal infections in humans.

Despite promising in vitro results, the evidence base is considered weak (rated 2/5) due to the absence of large-scale, well-designed human studies. Some commercial topical preparations incorporate castor oil as an ingredient, but its primary use for fungal infections is supported more by laboratory research than by strong clinical evidence. Overall, while there is scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting castor oil's antifungal effects, its practical effectiveness and safety for treating fungal infections in humans warrants further investigation.

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Products containing Castor

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