Synthesis and Bioactivity of (R)-Ricinoleic Acid Derivatives: A Review

(R)-Ricinoleic acid (RA) [(12R,9Z)-hydroxyoctadecenoic acid], the main compound of castor seed oil, because of its unusual structure readily undergoes multi-directional chemical and biochemical transformations to produce derivatives with the retained carbon skeleton or with its degradation. Many of these are of high biological activity, as documented by an in vitro study, and possess therapeutic potential. This review article provides an overview of the recent developments in the area of synthesis of RA based compounds with anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Moreover, the antiinflammatory and analgesic properties of some ricinoleic acid derivatives are also highlighted.