Croton oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of Croton tiglium, a small tree native to Southeast Asia. This oil has been used for centuries as a purgative, laxative and also as an ingredient in topical treatments for skin ailments. Synonyms for croton oil include purging croton oil, tiglium oil, croton seed oil, and oleum crotonis. It is known for its strong irritant and toxic properties, making it a valuable ingredient in medicines and pesticides. Despite its potential toxic effects, research has shown that croton oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which have led to numerous studies in the area of cancer research.