Phytochemical Composition, Pharmacological activities and Traditional Therapeutic Significance of Argemone mexicana L: A Comprehensive Review
Nikita Varfa1 , Devshree Gayakwad* 2 and G.N. Darwhekar3
1,3Acropolis Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Indore - 452003 (India) 2Devi Ahilya College of Pharmacy, Indore - 452003 (India) Corresponding Author: Ms. Devshree Gayakwad devshree.gayakwad@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Argemone mexicana L. (also referred to as Mexican prickly poppy or Satyanashi) is a highly significant phytho-ethnopharmaceutical species of the Papaveraceae containing several very significant ethnopharmacological products. Conventionally, seeds, roots, leaves, and latex of the plant have been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy in the treatment of jaundice, skin infections, diabetes, inflammation, ulcers, and hepatic ailments. Different bioactive compounds have been found in phytochemical studies which include: isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine, and protopine), flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, sterols and fatty acids that make it have a wide range of pharmacological activities. The contemporary pharmacological research has shown that A. mexicana has strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antirenal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiulcer effects. Mechanistically, it is said to have these effects due to its free radical scavenging properties, effects on enzyme activities and proinflammatory pathway suppression. Although this has a tremendous therapeutic potential, some of the toxic alkaloids that are found in the seeds require controlled and standardized use. More studies on its safety and bioavailability in the context of clinical use should be conducted to determine A. mexicana as a promising natural source of drug.