castor oil

IMMUNOMODULATIONTHROUGH CASTOR OIL PACKS

Harvey Grady

ABSTRACT

Castor oil has been used topically for various therapeutic purposes for thousands ofyears. Current research has identified castor oil as an anti-toxin and as having impacton the lymphatic system enhancing immunologic function. This double blind study ex-

amines lymphocyte values of 36 healthy subjects before and after topical castor oil application.Follow-up study on seriously ill subjects is needed.

INTRODUCTIONSince ancient times, the cold-drawn oil fromthe castor bean plant (ricinus communis) hasbeen used therapeutically by cultures locatedin the tropical and temperate lands where itgrows. Castor bean seeds, believed to be4,000 years old, have been found in Egyptiantombs. (1) Historical records reveal medici-nal use of castor oil in Egypt, India, China,Persia,Africa, Greece, Rome,Southern Europeand the Americas. The ancient Greeks knewof it as KiKi and the Romans as Palma Christi(hand of Christ). In Sanskrit it is known asEranda and Vatarl. and in Hebrew as Qiqayon.(2) Physicians in Europe and England duringthe 17thCentury used it orally as well as topi-cally. (3) Frazer prescribed castor oil for in-testinal and biliary disorders in 1762. (4) Phar-maceutical and medical reference works com-monly referred to castor oil in the l B'" Cen-tury. (5,6)

Unlike oral use, which has been mainly forthe treatment of bowel problems, the topicaluse of castor oil has varied, including treat-ment of skin lesions and hemorrhoids by theAztecs (7), epilepsy by the Persians' (8), re-duction of tumors by the Greek, Dioscorides(9), eye irritation by the Egyptians (10), andinduction of childbirth and expulsion of the

95 Spotted Fawn CourtSedona, AZ86351-7288520-284-3284

placenta by the Chinese (11). Aside from itsutilization in the medicine of other culturesand in Western folk medicine, current medi-cal uses for castor oil include treatment ofgastrointestinal disorders (12), skin disorderssuch as psoriasis (13), eye problems (14), andimmunological disorders. (15)

Experimental research has identified cas-tor oil as an anti-toxin (16,17) and as havingan impact on the lymphatic delivery systemwhen used as a surfactant vehicle for immuno-suppressive and anti-tumor drugs. (18,19) Inclinical use, immunological enhancement hasbeen observed through topical administrationof castor oil in a pack composed of three lay-ers of wool flannel cloth saturated with oll.where the pack is situated on the right upperquadrant of the abdomen. (20) This type ofapplication has been termed "castor oil pack."(See Appendix A: Instructions for Castor OilPack.) However, experimental evidence of thiseffect has been lacking.

STUDY DESIGNA double-blind study was conducted with 36healthy volunteer subjects, consisting of 30females and 6 males who were recruitedthrough newspapers and other means."Healthy" meant that the volunteers did notexpress symptoms of anydiagnosed illness andregarded themselves as healthy. Volunteersexhibiting symptoms associated with illnesswere screened out. A questionnaire and

84 Journal of Naturopathic Medicine

Original Research

interview were administered regard-ing their health claims and habitsinvolving nicotine, alcohol. and caf-feine, which might affect the study,then subjects were randomly as-signed to experimental or controlgroups. The experimental groupreceived castor oil packs, and thecontrol group received paraffin oilpacks. All packs had the same ap-pearance in terms of sight. smell,and touch. Neither subject normedical staff knew which kind of oilwas used. Paraffin oil was selectedfor its similar consistency to castoroil and for its lack of any identifiedbiological effect during topical use,as determined by an extensive lit-erature search.

Subjects were placed in beds ata home-like residential facility, andthe oil packs were applleddirectlyto the skin of the upper right quad-rant of the abdomen. The packsconsisted of plain wool flannel cloth12 by 36 inches in size, folded intothree thicknesses for saturation ofoil. When folded, the packs were12 by 12 inches in size, covering theliver and umbilical areas. The packswere applied at 9:00 AM and re-moved at 1I :00 AM, remaining inplace for two hours. Dosage con-sisted of this single pack treatmentof two-hour duration with no repeti-tion. Subjects rested in bed duringthe treatment.

Four blood draws were takenfrom each subject at specific timeintervals in order to evaluate lym-phocyte data before and after treat-ment. A pre-treatment blood drawwas taken at 9:00 AM, before thepacks were applied (0 hour), forbaseline data. Three post-treatmentblood draws were taken at I 1:00 AMprior to removal of packs (2 hoursafter onset of treatment), at 4:00 PM(7 hours), and at 9:00 AM the fol-lowing day (24 hours). Potentialtreatment effects could be exam-ined at these intervals during a 24-hour period.

For reduction of extraneous vari-ables, subjects refrained from useof nicotine, alcohol and caffeine forthe night and morning prior to treat-ment and for the 24-hour period oftesting. Once the packs were re-moved, subjects were allowed toresume their normal activities withencouragement to avoid physicaland emotional stresses.

Blood samples were processed byan independent. nationally knownlaboratory, SmithKline Bio-ScienceLaboratories, utilizing a Lymphocyte

Evaluation Panel and a MitogenPanel. The Lymphocyte EvaluationPanelincluded enumeration of whiteblood cells, total lymphocytes, T-I Icells, T-4 cells, T-8 cells, and B-cells.The Mitogen Panel included mea-surement of lymphocyte activationlevels when stimulated by phyto-hemmaglutin (PHA), concavalin A(Con A), and pokeweed (PWM)mito-gens, which give information on gen-eral T-cell, T-8 cell, and B-cell activ-ity, respectively. The data providedcomparisons between 18 experi-mental group (castor oil) and 18control group (paraffin oil) subjectsat four data points over 24 hours.

STUDY RESULTSThe data from SmithKline Bio-Sci-ence Laboratories were analyzed byan independent statistical consult-ant. Wilson and Associates. Initialcomparisons of group meansshowed no significant differencesbetween group responses, due tothe use of healthy subjects whoseblood values were generally withinnormal ranges. More sensitiveanalysis was done by Analysis ofVariance (ANOVA),where the experi-

mental group (castor oil) showedincreases in the number of totallym-phocytes and T-I I cells at a signifi-cance level of p=.OI, which did notoccur with the control group (paraf-fin oil), as shown in Table I.

Multiple analysis of variance(MANOVA)upheld these findings, asseen in Table 2, identifying totallym-phocyte and T-l I cell counts as sig-nificant for the experimental group(castor oil), but not for the controlgroup (paraffin oil), with regard toother variables such as age, sex, andcircadian (time of day) effects.

The total lymphocyte count forthe test sequence of the experimen-tal group (castor oil) was found sig-nificant at p=.004. The T-l 1 cellcount for the test sequence of theexperimental group (castor oil) wassignificant at p=.008. Factors ofage, sex, and circadian variationwere not found to be significant in-fluences on the blood values of ei-ther group.

In summary, the study found thatcastor oil pack therapy of a minimaltwo-hour period produced an in-crease in the number of T-I 1 cellswithin a 24 hour period following

RESULTS SUMMARY - OIL PACK DATASignificance Levels for Data Proportional to Y(I)*

RESPONSE .... '" ............ GROUP...................

Variable Source Control Experimental Combined

TOTLYM Among trials .01 .01Among cases

WBC Among trials .01 .01 .01Among cases .05 .05 .05

T-11 Among trials .01 .01Among cases

T-4 Among trials .01 .01Among cases .05

T-8 Among trials .01 .01

Among cases .05 .01 .01

BLYM Among trials .05 .01 .01Among cases .01 .01 .01

PHASTIM Among trials .05Among cases

CONSTIM Among trialsAmong cases .01 .01

PWMSTIM Among trialsAmong cases .01 .01

TABLE 1

• Y( 1) is the baseline (before experimentation) value of the response variable.

Volume 7, Number 1 85

Grady

SUMMARY OF RESULTSFrom Multiple Analysis of Variance

NonComt Non SignifVariance Normal Variables P-ValueResponse Variable

T-4T-4

Control GroupExperimental Group

T-8T-8


T-llT-ll


TOTLYMTOTLYMTOTLYM

Control GroupExperimental GroupExperimental Group

nil nilnil nil

nil nilnil nil

nil nilnil nil

nil nilnil nilnil nil

x2

x2

xl

xl

xlx2

xl: Test Sequence Numberx2: Age Decade of the Subjectx3: Control or Experimental Groupx4: Sex of Subject

TABLE 2

.081

.076

.094

.008

.004

.027

treatment. The concomitant in-crease in the number of total lym-phocytes is due primarily to the T-11 cell increase. The T-ll cell countfor the experimental group peakedat the third blood draw, seven hoursafter onset of treatment, whichsuggests that the immunomod-ulation effect builds for severalhours, then declines to within nor-mal levels 24 hours after the onsetof a single two hour treatment, asshown in Figure 1.

The T-l1 cell increase representsa general boost in the body's spe-cific defense status. Lymphocytesactively defend the health of thebody by forming antibodies againstpathogens and their toxins. T-celllymphocytes originate from bonemarrow and the thymus gland assmall lymphocytes that identify andkill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and can-cer cells. T-I I cell lymphocytessupply a fundamental antibody ca-pability to keep the specific defensesystem strong. (21)

DISCUSSIONBeyond establishing the immuno-modulation effect of castor oil packtherapy, this study supports theneed for further research and raisesquestions concerning the mecha-

nism whereby the immunomod-ulation effect occurs.

Further research into castor oilpack therapy should focus first onestablishing a strongereffect than was pos-sible with a study ofhealthy volunteers. Afollow-up study was cdesigned by the Fetzer 0Energy Medicine UResearch Institute N

(FEMRI) of the A.R.E. ~Medical Clinic, inwhich the protocol ofthe previous study will T

be followed in treating 0persons with the seri-ous, debilitating ill-ness of chronic active B

Ahepatitis. The treat- S

ment will be of longer Eduration than the pre- L

vious study, providing Isixteen treatments Nover a four week pe- E

riod, and the lympho-cyte values of the re-search subjects mayprove to be more ex-treme. This design willtest for a stronger ef-fect from castor oilpack therapy, as maybe possible' under

more extreme conditions than theprevious study afforded.

If a strong effect is established,then variations in the test protocolshould be explored. One variationcould be a comparison between cas-tor oil and another vegetable oil.such as corn oil. Another variationmight include testing the position ofthe oil pack over the key elementsof the immune system, such as thespleen and the thymus.

The mechanism of the immuno-modulation effect of the castor oilpack also needs exploration. Wehave considered two types ofmechanisms: bioenergetic and bio-chemical. Bioenergetic mecha-nisms are based on theories whichare difficult to test experimentally,due to the limited capability ofpresent electromagnetic detectiondevices. Biochemical mechanismsare based on the assumption thatcastor oil has chemical propertiesthat affect the immune system. Bio-chemical theories are more testablewith present technology. Two theo-ries merit primary consideration aspossible biochemical immune sys-tem trigger mechanisms affected bycastor oil: 1)T-cells in the skin; and2) Prostaglandins.

Regarding the first theory, theskin has been identified as an inte-gral and active part of the immune

1.14

1.12

1.10

1.(.18

1.06

1.02

1.00 •. -+----+----1---~-198

94

,,i',,.,••f

fI

II

II

I

\,\\\\\\\

96

«o ~/.~----~------~------~

~ 1 2 :3 4

TEST SEQUENCE NUMBER - TU

• Mean, experimental group• Mean, c::ontrol group

FIGURE 1


Original Research

system. (22) T-Iymphocytes are scat-tered throughout the skin, primarilyin the epidermis and the upper der-mis. (23) These T-Iymphocytes com-municate with and influence theactivity of the general immune sys-tem. They are capable of stimulat-ing either a localized or a general-ized immune reaction. This capa-bility was demonstrated by use ofultraviolet light to cancel the im-mune reaction to a specific antigenin the skin of mice, where a gener-alized and not only a localized im-mune effect was found. (24)

The skin T-cell theory postulatesthat the absorption of castor oil intothe skin triggers T-Iymphocytes em-bedded in the skin, causing themto activate a localized and/or gen-eralized immune reaction. But howwould castor oil act as a trigger fordermal T-cells? In searching for ananswer to this question, we are ledto consider another, perhaps morefundamental, theory concerningprostaglandins.

Prostaglandins consist of a largegroup of membrane-associated lip-ids composed of 20 carbon fattyacids containing a cyclopentane ring(five carbon atoms joined to form aring). (25) Although they were firstdiscovered in prostate gland secre-tions, they are now known to bepresent in cell membranes through-out the body. Even though they aresynthesized in very small quantities,prostaglandins are potent sub-stances which generate a numberof effects upon the body: stimula-tion of smooth muscle contractions;raising and lowering blood pressure;regulation of metabolism, acid se-cretion of the stomach, blood-plate-let aggregation, and body tempera-ture; control of inflammation andvascular permeability; and transmis-sion of nerve impulses. (26)

If castor oil packs stimulate pros-taglandin activity, could this be amechanism for achieving the widevariety of physiological effects thathave been observed concerningcastor oil pack therapy in clinicalpractice? (27) Castor oil createsseveral physiological effects identi-calor similar to those attributed toprostaglandins, including stimula-tion of smooth muscle contractionsand control of inflammation. (28)Other correlated effects could bepossible, since they have not beenresearched.

Prostaglandins play key roles inregulating cell division in the body,including Band T lymphocytes, and

are therefore involved in the im-mune response. (29) Prostaglandin-E1 induces differentiation in imma-ture T lymphocytes and can alsodouble the adherence of T lympho-cytes to cells infected with virus.(30) Furthermore, since T-suppres-sor lymphocytes produce Prostag-landin-E I, a reciprocal relationshipmight exist between prostaglandinsand lymphocytes. (31) The emerg-ing role of prostaglandins in immu-nomodulation suggests a possiblemechanism for castor oil effects.Continuing research into the diversetypes of prostaglandins might offerspecific targets for exploring andspecifying this mechanism.

In addition to the similarity oftheir effects, the chemical structuresof castor oil and prostaglandins areanalogous. Castor oil is composedof long-chain fatty acids, as are pros-taglandins. Is it possible that thebody's production of prostaglandinscan be stimulated by castor oil?Evidence from a 1980 study at thePennsylvania State University Col-lege of Medicine strongly suggeststhat oral doses of castor oil for ratsstimulated prostaglandin synthesisby the bowel. (32) In fact, this studymeasured the presence of prostag-landins on the surface of castor oilingested by the rats and concludedthat castor oil produces its cathar-

tic effects in the bowel by stimulat-ing prostaglandin synthesis.

Another chemical link betweencastor oil and prostaglandins is seenin the ability of castor oil to produceprostanoids, as seen in Figure 2.Prostanoids are very similar to pros-taglandins, suggesting that castor oilmight act as a biochemical precur-sor of prostaglandins. (33)

To summarize this theory, it ap-pears possible that the immuno-modulation effect of castor oil packtherapy could involve castor oil'sdocumented role in stimulating pro-duction of prostaglandins.

Further research into immune-modulation through castor oil packsshould consider T-lymphocytes inthe skin and prostaglandins as pos-sible mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONA controlled study by the A.R.E.Clinic's Fetzer.Energy Medicine Re-search Institute in 1987 producedevidence that castor oil pack therapystimulated the immune system ofhealthy volunteers through increas-ing the number ofT-II lymphocytesin the experimental group as com-pared to the control group. Thisstudy supports the need for furtherresearch of the optimal use of thistherapy for immunomodulation.Consideration should be given to

NONMAMMALIAN SOURCES OF EICOSANOIDS

g IR ~ t!vcoriclo: casto<·oil)

!!:! IR-CHl,

. 7~A-.'III~CO CH

-~CHO .23.

56

CO CHH""r-r"'~ 2 3HC"~

OH58

FIGURE 2SYNTHESIS OF PROSTANOIDS FROM CASTOR OIL

Volume 7, Number 1 87

~C02CH3

HCIIo

OH:: _.........../'0.. ...•.C02H

~OH OH

57

Grady

study of castor oil pack therapy forill persons and for possible differ-entiated immunological effectswhen the pack is applied to variouscomponents of the immune system,such as the spleen and thymus.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe gratefully acknowledge the con-tributions to this study of staff, in-cluding Gary Grossman, PhD, T. M.Srinivasan, PhD, Zona Dial, andSherry Janes; consultants LeonardWisneski, MD, and Daniel Wilson,PhD; and members of the Techni-cal Advisory Board Elmer Green,PhD, Stanley Krippner, PhD, RobertNunley, PhD, Norman Shealy, MD,PhD, and William Tiller, PhD. We

recognize the pioneering clinicalcontributions of William McGarey,MD, and Gladys McGarey, MD, assetting the foundation for the study.We greatly appreciate the supportof John E. Fetzer, founder of theJohn E. Fetzer Foundation, for thegrant that made the study possible.

REFERENCESI. Morton. Julia f. l'1ajor l'1edicinal Plants.

Springfield. IL: Thomas; c 1977: 193.2. Levy. Martin; AI-Khaledy. Noury. The

l'1edical Formulary of AI-Samarqandi.Philadelphia: University of Pennsylva-nia; c1967.

3. Gaginella. T.S.. Phillips. S.f. RicinoleicAcid: Current View on an Ancient Oil.Digestive Diseases: 1975; 20( 12):1171-1177.

APPENDIX A

CASTOR OIL PACKS*

Materials Needed:1. Wool flannel cloth or2. Plastic sheet - medium thickness3. Bath towel4. Two safety pins

1. Wool Flannel Pack2. C.O. Pack Holder3. Electric Heating Pad

Instructions for Use:Fold a piece of wool flannel (cotton flannel is.all right. if wool is not avail-able or there is an allergy to wool) so that it is 3 layers thick and measuresabout 12" x 12". This size is recommended for abdominal application-other areas would use different sizes. Pour castor oil onto the cloth, enoughso that the cloth is wet but not dripping. Then apply the cloth to the areaneeding treatment. For general detoxification purposes, apply the packover the liver area. Then cover the pack with a piece of plastic-SaranWrap or a garbage bag will do. Then wrap a towel, folded lengthwise,around the entire' area and fasten it with safety pins. The pack should beapplied a minimum of one hour and can be worn all night. If you have aCastor Oil Pack Holder, you will not need the plastic or the towel. It savesmuch "set-up" time. The skin can be cleansed after the treatment by usingsoda water (two teaspoons of baking soda added to a quart of water).

Keep the flannel pack in a plastic container for future use. It is possibleto use the same pack for different problems, and need not be discardedafter one application, but check with your physician about specifics. Typi-cally, you can use the same pack for a number of injuries, but when deal-ing with a very toxic condition it would be best to throw the pack awaywhen the condition is healed. DO NOTATIEMPTTO DRYCLEANYOURPACK.This adds unwanted chemicals.

Frequency: I - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 consecutive days per week.Note: Take olive oil by mouth after every third treatment. if directed,

in amount tolerated.* Personal Communication with Harvey Grady: Many NDs have "discovered"

castor oil roll-on applicators which allow the benefits of this protocolwithout the mess of sticky wool or flannel. Ease of use enhances patientcompliance. Make sure the treated area is well saturated with castor oil.-Emily Kane, ND 1997 •

4. fraser. T. l'1edical Observations andInquiries. Vol. 2. An account of theoleum riclnl, commonly called castoroil. and its effects as a medicine.especially in bilious disorders.London: 1762: 235-240.

5. LaWall. Charles H. Four Thousand Yearsof Pharmacy. Philadelphia: Lippincott:c 1927: 427-8.

6. Lewis. W. The Edinburgh New Dispensa-tory. Edinburgh: 1797: 225.

7. Badianus. J.• Cruz. M. The Badianusnenuscript. An Aztec Herbal of 1552.Translated by E.W. Emmarl. Baltimore:Johns Hopkins: c 1940.

8. Levy. M. The l'1edical Formulary orAqrabadhin of AI-Kindi. Madison:University of Wisconsin: c 1966.

9. Riddle. John M. Oioscorides onPharmacy and l'1edicine. Austin:University of Texas: c 1985.

10. Duke. James A. l'1edicinal Plants of theBible. New York: Trado-Medic Books;c1983.

I I. Stuart. G.A. Chinese l'1ateria l'1edica.Vegetable Kingdom. Shanghai: AMPresbyterian Mission: c 191 I: 378-379.

12. Bruckstein. A.H. Laxatives andCathartics: Uses and Abuses. NY StateJournal of Medicine; 1978; 78(7):1078-82.

13. Natarajan. S.: Paily. P.P. Effect ofTopical Hydrocotyle Asiatica inPsoriasis. Indian Journal of Dermatol-ogy; 1973; 18(4): 82-5.

14. Saari. M. et al. Effect of Vehicle onPilocarpine-induced l'1iosis. ActaOpthalmologica; 1978; 56(4): 496-503.

15. Till. Mark A. et al. HIV-infected CellsAre Killed By rCOR-Ricin A Chain.Science: 25 Nov. 1988; 242: I 166-1168.

16. Tanabe. T. et at. On the Acute Toxicityof CT-/.341. a New Steroidal AnestheticAgent. Hokkaido Igaku Azsshi: 1974;49(2): 142-52.

17. Neimegeers. C.J. et al. Loperamide ... aNovel Type of Anti-diarrheal Agent.Arzeimittelforschung: 1974: 24( I0):1633-6.

18. Takada. K. et al. Promotion of theSelective Lymphatic Delivery ofCyclosporin A by Lipid-surfactantl'1ixed l'1icells. Journal of Pharma-cobiodynamics; 1985: 8(4): 320-3.

19. Yoshikawa. H. et at. Potentiation ofAnti-tumor Effect of Bleomycin byLipid-surfactant Nixed l'1icells I. in Vivoand Tumor-neutralizing Activity Againstneuse Ehrlich Ascites Tumor and RatAsclties Hepatoma AH66. Journal ofPharmacobiodynamics: 1985; 8(4):305-310.

20. McGarey. W.A. Edgar Cayce and thePalma Christi. Virginia Beach. VA:Edgar Cayce foundation; c 1970.

21. Grieco. Michael. Immunodiagnosis forClinicians. Year Book MedicalPublishers; c 1983.

22. Edelson. Richard L.; Fink. Joseph M.The Immunologic Function of Skin.Scientific American: 1985; 252(6): 46-53.

23. Patterson. A.K.: Edelson. Richard L.Interaction of T Cells with theEpidermis. British Journal ofDermatology: 1982; I 07( I): I 17-22.

24. Kripke. Margaret L.: Morison. WarwickL. Studies on the Nechanism ofSystemic Suppression of Contact


Original Research

Hypersensitivity by Ultraviolet BRadiation. Photodermatology; 1986;3: 4-14.

25. Dorland's //Iustrated l'1edical Dictio-nary. 26th Edition. Philadelphia:Saunders; c1985: 1077-1078.

26. Tortora, Gerard; Anagnostakos,Nicholas. Principles of Anatomy andPtiysiology, Canfield; c I 978: 394.

27. Ibid .• McGarey.28. Horrobin. David F. Prostaglandins.

Physiology. Pharmacology and ClinicalSignificance. Montreal: Eden; c 1978.

29. Luderer, J.R. et al. l'1echanism ofAction of Castor Oil: a BiochemicalLink to the Prostaglandins. Advancesin Prostaglandin. Thromboxane. andLeukotrine Research; 1980: 8: 1633-5.

30. Awouters. F. et al. Delay of Castor OilDiarrhea in Rats: A Nelli Way toEvaluate Inhibitors of ProstaglandinBiosynthesis. Journal of Pharmacyand Pharmacology; 1978: 30: 41-5.

31. Goodwin. J.S.; Bankhurst. A.D.;Messner. R.P. Suppression of HumanT-cell l'1itogenesis by Prostaglandin.Existence of a Prostaglandin-producingSuppressor Cell. Journal of Experi-mental Medicine; 1977; 146(7): 1719-34.

32. Zurier. KB.; Dore-Duffy, P.; Viola. M.V.Adherence of Human Peripheral BloodLymphocytes to l'1easles-infected Cells.Enhancement by Prostaglandin E/.New England Journal of Medicine; 23June 1977; 296(25): 1443-6.

33. Bundy. Gordon L. NonmammalianSources of Eiconsanoids. Advances inProstaglandin. thromboxane. andLeukotriene Research; 1985; 14.

castor oil

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