Arrested Doctors From Gujarat Were Plotting ‘Ricin Terror Attack’ – Here’s What Ricin Is And What Makes It Poisonous

Delhi has been in the news of late for the Red Fort blast. Another related news that is doing the rounds is that of the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) busting a suspected ricin terror attack. The team arrested a Hyderabad-based doctor and two of his alleged accomplices on Sunday. They were allegedly developing ricin, a deadly toxin derived from castor beans, for use in planned terror strikes. One question that is being asked the most right now is – what exactly is ricin? Today, we will answer this for you.

To get an expert view on this topic, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

What Is Ricin?

Let us directly come to the main point – what is ricin? Dr Pillai describes it as a highly toxic natural substance, which is found in the seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinus Communis. “It is made from the waste material left after processing castor beans into castor oil. Even a small amount of ricin can be deadly if swallowed, inhaled, or injected, as it blocks cells from making the proteins they need to survive. This causes cell death and can lead to organ failure. Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on how it enters the body and may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. There is no specific antidote for ricin poisoning, but early medical care can help reduce its harmful effects. It is sometimes studied for security and public health awareness,” explains the expert.

What Makes Ricin Deadly?

So what makes ricin so poisonous? Our expert explains it for us. “Ricin is deadly because it blocks the body’s cells from making essential proteins needed for survival. Once it enters the body through inhalation, swallowing, or injection, it quickly attaches to cell surfaces and gets inside them. There, it stops the process that allows cells to build proteins, causing the cells to die. As more and more cells are damaged, vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs begin to fail,” shares Dr Pillai.

She adds that even a small amount of ricin can cause severe poisoning because it acts fast and spreads through the bloodstream.

Symptoms Of Ricin Poisoning

How to detect if someone has been poisoned with ricin? Dr Pillai breaks down its signs and symptoms:

• If inhaled, symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and fluid buildup in the lungs within a few hours.
• If swallowed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and severe dehydration.
• When injected, it may lead to swelling, weakness, and failure of organs near the injection site.
• In all cases, the poison damages cells and can lead to low blood pressure, seizures, and multiple organ failure.

“Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on how the poison enters the body – by swallowing, inhaling, or injection, but all forms are serious. They often appear within a few hours and can worsen quickly, making immediate medical care critical for anyone suspected of ricin exposure,” she mentions.

Also Read: Common Foods That Become Poisonous After Refrigeration: Expert Advice on What to Avoid

Is There A Cure For Ricin Poisoning?

If you are wondering whether ricin poisoning can be treated or not, we are here to clear your doubt. “There is currently no specific cure or antidote for ricin poisoning. Treatment mainly focuses on providing supportive medical care to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. If the poison is swallowed, doctors may use activated charcoal or stomach washing to limit absorption. In cases of inhalation, patients are given oxygen, breathing support, and fluids to ease symptoms. If ricin enters through injection, the affected area may be treated to control pain and swelling,” answers the expert.

“Doctors closely monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and hydration levels to keep vital organs working. Recovery depends on how much poison enters the body and how quickly treatment begins. Early medical attention greatly improves the chances of survival and limits long-term damage,” Dr Pillai concludes.

Also Read: Nicotine Pouch Poisoning: What Is It And Why Are Cases Soaring In Children?

The Final Word

Ricin is a highly toxic natural substance, which is found in the seeds of the castor oil plant, Ricinus Communis. It is deadly because it blocks the body’s cells from making essential proteins, which are needed for survival – that too within hours. There is currently no specific cure or antidote for ricin poisoning.