The protein ricin is a toxin from the castor bean.

It is considered to be twice as deadly as cobra venom.

Ricin is poisonous if inhaled, injected, or ingested, acting as a toxin by the inhibition of protein synthesis.

While there is no known antidote, the US military has developed a vaccine.

Symptomatic and supportive treatment is available.

Long term organ damage is likely in survivors.

In small doses, such as the typical dose contained in a measure of castor oil, ricin causes digestive tract cramps.

Ingested in larger doses, ricin causes severe diarrhea and victims can die of shock..

For more information about the topic Ricin, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

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