Ricin Poisoning Symptoms - What You Need to Know About the Toxin

Ricin has made headlines this week after letters addressed to both President Barack Obama and Senator Roger Wicker tested positive for the toxin, sparking interest among the public.

Yet, symptoms of ricin exposure may vary depending on how the toxin entered the body. 

Latinos Post got in touch with medical professionals to find out where ricin comes from and how lethal the substance really is.

"Ricin is a potent biological toxin that is derived from castor beans. Its mechanism of action in the body is protein synthesis. Clinical manifestations are dependent on the route of exposure," said Thomas Caraccio, clinical pharmacist at Winthrop University Hospital.

Ricin exposure could cause death regardless of how an individual is exposed to the substance.

"Without a doubt ricin is toxic (the protein ricin II is more toxic than ricin I, which together make up "ricin"), said Victoria Richards, an assistant professor of medical sciences who teaches toxicology and pharmacology at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University.

"If castor beans are eaten (about 20 for an adult) death can occur in six to eight days."

Richards added that when the toxin is in powder form it could have a more detrimental effect on the body.

"When concentrated, ricin powder may be lethal in a much shorter time frame. There is a process called oral inhalation, in which powders or aerosolized agents (depending on the particle size) can be deposited in the mouth and eventually swallowed," she said.

"If introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, ricin will cause nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Multiple organ damage also occurs and eventually death."

And while the amount and pathway of exposure to ricin as well as the pre-exposure condition of the individual will alter the timeframe and severity of symptoms, Caraccio outlines the basic clinical manifestations.

"Ingestion of ricin typically leads to profuse vomiting and diarrhea followed by multisystem organ failure and possibly death within 36 to 72 hours of exposure," he said.

"Inhalation of ricin typically leads to respiratory distress, fever and cough followed by the development of pulmonary edema, hypotension, respiratory failure and possibly death within 36 to 72 hours."

Regardless of how ricin enters the body, medical attention should be sought immediately if exposure is suspected.