A large endosperm is used to implant the castor bean embryo. Two thin cotyledons, a little epicotyl, a very short hypocotyl, and a small radicle make up the embryo.
Castor bean oil was previously used as a laxative, and a paste produced from its seeds was used to heal toothaches.
These seeds, however, should be handled with caution since they contain ricin a highly deadly toxin. Ingesting ricin can result in muscle spasms, nausea, seizures, and other problems.