Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and quality of castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) in wild genotypes in comparing with crops genotype

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the medicinal plants that used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in developed countries. Oil extracted from this plant is one of the most valuable cathartic and laxative ingredients in medicine. Its oil is also used as biodiesel fuel. This study was carried out to investigate the quality, oil content and physicochemical properties of castor oil in comparison with the wild ones in Boroojerd region. The oil content, Iodine value, acid number, Reflective index, Acidity and ash were determined, 49-61.7 % (w/w), 68-85 (the mass of iodine in grams that is consumed by 100 grams of a oil) , 0.36 - 0.90 (oleic acid %), 1/4771-1/4779, 1.9-4.5 (milligrams of Sodium hydroxide required to neutralize the free fatty acids in 1 g of oil) and 1.78-3.6 % respectively. Ricinoleic acid content of oil samples was determined by gas chromatograph method, it was 86.1-90.4% (w/w). Castor oil varieties were significantly different for all traits at 5% level. The number 1161 (Hamadan) had more yield in the oil content. Thus, according to our results, if the purpose of planting these plants is highest economic yield, wild genotypes have the highest performance and genotype 1161 can be recommended for the Borujerd. Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of wild castor seed oil belong in Borujerd has not been studied in comparison with usual cultivar. This study is the first report of the oil content and physicochemical characteristics of castor oil that was extracted from wild castor seeds collected in Iran and cultivation in the Borujerdand comparison with the cultivar.