Castor Oil USP (United States Pharmacopeia)
Manufactured by Nova Industries
Nova Industries manufactures Castor Oil USP, a premium pharmaceutical-grade oil strictly adhering to the standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
This grade is produced exclusively from the first cold pressing of select castor seeds, ensuring that the oil retains its natural medicinal qualities without thermal degradation. Following extraction, it undergoes an advanced refining process—including neutralization, bleaching, and vacuum deodorization—to achieve the high purity, low acidity, and specific optical rotation required for pharmaceutical use.1
1. Pharmaceutical Significance
Castor Oil USP is the benchmark for safety and purity in the American and global pharmaceutical markets.
- Purity Assurance: Free from toxic substances, heavy metals, and adulterants.2
- Medicinal Integrity: The “First Press” origin preserves the natural structure of the ricinoleic acid triglyceride, essential for its therapeutic efficacy.
- Regulatory Compliance: Fully compliant with the current USP monograph, making it eligible for use as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) or excipient in FDA-regulated products.
2. Key Applications
Pharmaceutical Formulations
- Stimulant Laxative: Historically and currently used as an FDA-recognized stimulant laxative for the short-term relief of constipation.3
- Emollient & Vehicle: Acts as a highly effective emollient in creams and lotions, and as a solvent/vehicle for lipophilic drugs in oral and injectable formulations.4
- Emulsifier: A critical non-ionic surfactant in complex drug delivery systems, stabilizing emulsions and suspensions.5
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Skin Care: Used in dermatology for its ability to penetrate skin layers, providing deep hydration without comedogenicity.6
- Lip Products: The primary structure-building oil in lipsticks and balms, providing gloss and preventing melting.7
High-Purity Industrial Use
- While primarily a pharma grade, it is also used in sensitive industrial applications (e.g., food-contact lubricants, specialty polyols) where standard industrial grades may contain unacceptable impurities.
3. Technical Specifications (USP Monograph)
Nova Industries provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every shipment, confirming adherence to the following parameters.
| Parameter | Specification (USP Standard) |
| Product Name | Castor Oil USP |
| CAS Number | 8001-79-4 |
| Appearance | Light yellow, viscous, clear liquid |
| Odor | Slight, characteristic |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 0.957 – 0.961 |
| Distinction from other fixed oils | Soluble in Alcohol (Ethanol) |
| Acid Value | 2.0 Max |
| Iodine Value | 83 – 88 |
| Saponification Value | 176 – 182 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 160 – 168 |
| Water Content (Moisture) | 0.3% Max |
| Heavy Metals | 0.001% Max (10 ppm) |
| Flash Point | 229°C (444°F) Closed Cup |
| Boiling Point | 313°C (595°F) |
| Melting Point | -10°C (14°F) |
| Autoignition Temperature | 449°C (840°F) |
Packaging & Certification
- Packaging: 200 Kg New Steel Drums (Epoxy Lined) / 225 Kg HDPE Drums / IBC Totes.
- Documentation: Supplied with COA, MSDS, and TSE/BSE Free Declaration.
- Storage: Store in tight, light-resistant containers to prevent oxidation. Avoid exposure to excessive heat.
For Pharmaceutical Supply Inquiries:
Nova Industries
Website: https://novaind.in/