Trace isotope analysis of Ricinus communis seed core for provenance determination by laser ablation-ICP-MS.

The castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, grows wild throughout many regions of Australia. The seeds of the plant contain the schedule 1 chemical agent ricin, a type II ribosomal inhibiting protein. Currently there are limited analytical techniques that can be applied in analysis of the seeds to establish attribution.

De novo sequencing of RCB-1 to -3: peptide biomarkers from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis.

Ricinus communis (also know as the castor bean plant) whose forbears escaped from suburban gardens or commercial cultivation grow wild in many countries. In temperate and tropical climates seeds will develop to maturity, and plants may be perennial. In Australia these plants have become widespread and are regarded as noxious weeds in many localities.