The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of castor oil versus placebo on intestinal permeability in healthy individuals.

Randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, blinded, dose-response study using Castor oil and see the effects it has on small bowel and colonic permeability measured in healthy female and male adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, non-obese, non-pregnant volunteers.
• 1:1 Male/Female Ratio.
• BMI < 30 kg/m^2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (with BP measured > 140/90mmHg in the CRTU)
• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2.
• Chronic NSAID use (> 1 day/week).
• Use of oral antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to and during the entire 5 day study period.
• Known intolerance of castor oil.
• Diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases that are associated with abnormal intestinal or colonic permeability such as inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
• Prior intestinal or colonic resection.
• Participation in highly vigorous exercise such as running > 5 miles per day in week prior to the permeability test.