Castor beans contain ricin, one of the most toxic substances known. They may cause an acute and potentially fatal gastroenteritis. Delayed visceral damage is another serious complication; however, the latter is quite rare. The toxicity is dose related and depends on the amount of castor beans ingested.

Is it safe to eat caster beans?

Consuming the whole castor seed is UNSAFE. The outer coating (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. This outer coating can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, shock, severe fluid and chemical disturbances, damage to the liver, kidney, and pancreas, and death.

How much castor beans are poisonous?

One milligram of ricin can kill an adult. The symptoms of human poisoning begin within a few hours of ingestion.