Risiinitärkkelys

Risiinitärkkelys refers to starch derived from castor beans. Castor beans are the seeds of the *Ricinus communis* plant, a species native to the Mediterranean Basin and Southeast Africa. The starch is extracted from the endosperm of the bean. This particular type of starch is known for its unique properties, including its gelatinization behavior and its ability to form stable gels.

Industrially, risiinitärkkelys finds applications in various sectors. It can be used as a thickener in food products, although its use is less common than starches from corn or potato. In the pharmaceutical industry, it may serve as an excipient in tablet formulations or as a binder. Its film-forming capabilities also make it suitable for certain cosmetic applications. The processing of castor beans to obtain starch involves steps such as dehulling, grinding, and separation. While castor beans are known for their toxicity due to the presence of ricin, the starch itself is generally considered safe for its intended industrial uses after appropriate processing and purification.