My understanding is that the entire plant is highly toxic.
Pathophysiology
These beans contain potent toxalbumins that inhibit protein synthesis and cause severe cytotoxic effects on multiple organ systems. Castor beans contain the toxalbumin ricin, and jequirity beans contain abrin.
The toxins are present in all parts of the plant but are most concentrated in the beans or seeds. Symptoms include delayed
gastroenteritis, which may be severe and hemorrhagic, followed by delirium, seizures, coma, and death. The beans are covered by a hard, relatively impervious outer shell that must be chewed or broken in some way in order for the toxalbumin to be released and, thus, present a toxic hazard. Castor beans are particularly antigenic and may cause severe cutaneous hypersensitivity and systemic reaction. (emphasis added)
Plant Poisoning, Castor Bean and Jequirity Bean: eMedicine Emergency Medicine
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