"Ricin syndrome". A possible new teratogenic syndrome associated with ingestion of castor oil seed in early pregnancy: a case report

Abstract

An infant with moderate growth retardation, convulsions, cranio-facial dysmorphia, absence deformity of limbs and vertebral segmentation defect is described. She was born to a young mother who had taken castor oil seed (Ricinus communis) orally as a contraceptive for eight weeks after conception. No other drugs were taken during pregnancy. The features of this case partially resemble Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome.