By Christine Patterson
A common ornamental plant grown in Utah and throughout the United States may become the newest weapon in bio-terrorism.
Ricin is a toxic protein developed from ''Ricinus communis'', the castor bean plant that is commercially used to make castor oil.
'It''s a protein, not a bacteria, but it''s stronger than anthrax. The potency is very high,' said Barry Willardson, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at BYU.
The toxin has no known cure or antidote.
When inhaled, injected or ingested, ricin stops cells from synthesizing protein, killing them at a rapid rate and causing the infected person''s internal organs and circulatory system to fail.
One milligram of ricin can kill an adult and the process may only take a few days, according to a study by Cornell University.
Ricin is produced as a weapon by boiling down the castor bean and harvesting the concentrated residue.
The simplicity of the process as well as the availability of the castor plant causes concern for some Americans about the possible spread of this new form of bio-terrorism.
It is believed that ricin is only effective as an agent for very small-scale attacks and assassinations because of its limited capabilities.
However, in World War II the British government developed a ricin bomb that they never used.
The toxin disappeared from the world stage until last week when London police arrested seven individuals in connection with the suspected development of ricin for use as a bio-terrorism weapon.
It''s believed that the suspects are connected to the Al Qaeda terrorist network.
Four of the suspects began trial Monday Jan. 13 for possession of articles for 'the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism,' and 'being concerned in the development or production of chemical weapons,' which violate the UK''s 2000 Terrorism Act and the Chemical Weapons Act of 1996.
Six more individuals were arrested Sunday Jan. 12 as part of an ongoing investigation of the incident.
The castor plant is available in Utah as an ornamental landscape plant but is tropical and typically only successful as an annual.
Seeds for the castor bean plant can be bought at local nurseries for about $1.50 per packet.
'Its one of the most widely studied in seed biology research because of its large seed,' said Phil Allen, a professor of Plant & Animal Sciences at BYU.
The seed, or bean, is highly toxic but is not dangerous if handled correctly and kept out of the reach of children.
'Even people who research it are cautious when handling it. You have to be when dealing with toxic material,' said Allen.