Ricinus cummunis: a potential biodiesel plant for sustainable development

Ricinus cummunis has been propagated as a unique plant which has potential for developing alternative source for renewable and clean energy which can replace fossil fuel use due to its high oil content. It is considered as a sole candidate in the benefits of ecology and environment because of its several merits. Ricinus cummunis has been advised for plantation on degraded and marginal land which otherwise a wasteland so that we can use our resources more productively. Presently, Ricinus cummunis has received much attention because of its potential for biodiesel production an eco-friendly fuel, biodegradable, renewable and non toxic in nature compared to petro-diesel. However, environmental and ecological benefits of Ricinus cummunis are not properly studied on the multiple roles. In this review several roles of Ricinus cummunis such as management of degraded land, potential phytoremediator, carbon sequester, use as activated carbon and medicinal uses have been discussed. Problems related to castor cultivation like toxin present in seed cake, disease incidence etc. also highlighted in the present review. Our current knowledge on Ricinus cummunis is not sufficient to understand its contribution in social, economic, ecological and environmental benefits. Hence, the given issues are discussed here to improve its future scope to mitigate energy crisis, environmental management and sustainable production.