Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae): chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

This mini-review is a compilation of research data on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and various therapeutic potentials of Argemone mexicana. A. mexicana is a well-known medicinal plant that is used in several ethnomedicinal treatments including for the treatment and management of skin diseases, inflammations, warts, tumors, malaria, jaundice, rheumatism, leprosy, and microbial infections. The plant consists of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, long-chain aliphatic alcohol, amino acids, carboxylic acid, steroids, carbohydrates, and phenols. The ethnopharmacological relevance of the plant includes the application of the plant extract in Ayurveda and other traditional healthcare as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and larvicidal, as well as for wound healing, hepatoprotection, and sterilizing activities. It can be concluded from this mini-review that A. mexicana has broad applications that are connected to various pharmacological and phytochemical properties of the plant. This work provides some detailed evidence and suggestions for the medicinal application of this plant to improve the condition of mankind.