Eranda (Ricinus Communis) In Gridhrasi (Sciatica): Classical Rationale, Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence- A Narrative Literature Review

Background:
Gridhrasi, described in Ayurveda as a disease caused by aggravated Vata, is very similar to modern sciatica. It presents with radiating pain from the lower back down the leg, often with stiffness and tingling. Ayurveda recommends Eranda (castor) in forms like milk decoction (Ksheerapaka), enema (Basti), and oil therapy as important treatments for Vata disorders.
Aim:
This review looks at how Ayurveda uses Eranda for Gridhrasi, explores the modern scientific findings about castor, and summarizes available clinical research.
Methods:
The study reviewed Ayurvedic classics and modern scientific literature on Ricinus communis (castor), focusing especially on studies related to sciatica and low back nerve pain.
Results:
Classical texts describe Gridhrasi with symptoms such as stiffness, pricking pain, pain radiating from the buttock to the foot, and restricted movement. Treatments advised include oil application (snehana), sweating therapy (swedana), medicated enemas (basti), and mild purgation (virechana), with Eranda as a key herb. Modern research shows castor oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, mainly due to ricinoleic acid acting through specific receptors in the body. Importantly, the toxic protein ricin is not present in the oil. Some small clinical studies suggest that Erandamoola Ksheerapaka and Eranda Basti may help sciatica patients, but strong, large-scale clinical trials are still missing. Safety concerns include loose stools, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and it should not be used in pregnancy because it can trigger labor.
Conclusion:
The Ayurvedic use of Eranda for Gridhrasi matches well with its modern anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions. It may be a useful non-drug therapy for sciatica, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness with standardized preparations.

Eranda, Ricinus communis, Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Vata vyadhi, Basti, Ksheerapaka, Ricinoleic acid

1. Ayurvedic concept of Gridhrasi and Eranda – Reviews published in journals like JAIMS and Critical Reviews in Ayurveda. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Classical Ayurvedic texts – Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Vagbhata describe Vata-vyadhi chikitsa including snehana, swedana, basti, and virechana. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Nighantus (Materia Medica) – Bhavaprakasha and others highlight Eranda as Vataghna (Vata-pacifying), with root, leaf, and oil uses. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Pharmacology of Ricinus communis – Experimental studies showing anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Mechanism of ricinoleic acid – Research on EP3 receptor activation explaining purgative and smooth muscle effects. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Toxicology reports – Confirm that castor oil does not contain ricin (the toxic protein in raw seeds). Oral use is contraindicated in pregnancy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Modern Sciatica guidelines – Orthopedic and neurology literature recommend conservative, non-opioid, non-surgical management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Clinical studies in Ayurveda – Small trials on Erandamoola Ksheerapaka and basti therapy for Gridhrasi showing symptomatic relief. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

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