Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42142329›Full record

ReviewBioMed research international2026

Ricin as a Biothreat Agent: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Toxicology, Forensic Aspects, and Risk Mitigation.

Miroslav Pohanka

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in BioMed research international, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Miroslav PohankaMilitary Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, unob.cz.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8804-8356

Funding

Ministry of Defence DZRO-FVZ22-ZHN II
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Ricin, a potent ribosome-inactivating protein derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis L., represents a significant threat in the context of biological warfare and terrorism due to its high toxicity, ease of extraction, and lack of a specific antidote. This review provides a comprehensive examination of ricin's biochemical structure, toxicological mechanisms, and clinical manifestations, alongside its historical and potential use as a weapon. The paper explores the global distribution and utility of the castor bean plant, outlines the molecular basis of ricin's cytotoxicity, and evaluates current medical and technological countermeasures. Furthermore, it assesses international legal frameworks and policy instruments aimed at mitigating the misuse of biological agents. Case studies of ricin-related incidents underscore the toxin's appeal to both state and nonstate actors, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance, public awareness, and interdisciplinary preparedness. The findings emphasize the dual-use dilemma posed by ricin and advocate for sustained international cooperation to address emerging biothreats.

Indexed as

Biological Warfare AgentsBioterrorismRicinAnimalsHumansRicinus communisBiological Warfare AgentsRicinbiohazardbiological terrorismbiological warfare agentbiological weaponcastor beanCBRNRicinus communistoxin

Identifiers

PMID42142329
PMCPMC13179799

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.