Prof. Ravindra Nikam College of Pharmacy, Gondur, Dhule
Medicinal plants have historically played a crucial role in treating infectious diseases. Argemone Mexicana L., commonly found in desolate regions of Maharashtra, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study elucidates the anti-bacterial potential of Argemone Mexicana extracts against *Escherichia coli* and compares it with turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract. The results confirm the promising antibacterial activity of A. Mexicana, supporting its potential use in the development of alternative antimicrobial therapies.
Nature offers countless plants with hidden medicinal properties, and Argemone Mexicana, often overlooked as a wild weed, stands out with significant therapeutic potential. This spiny annual herb, when cut, releases a yellow latex rich in biologically active compounds. Traditionally, various parts of A. Mexicana have been used to treat skin diseases, respiratory issues, ulcers, and more. Amidst rising antibiotic resistance, plant-based treatments gain renewed interest for their safety and efficacy. 1-5
Objectives:
1. To prepare aqueous extracts of Argemone Mexicana.
2. To evaluate and compare the anti-bacterial activity against E. coli.
3. to benchmark its efficacy with turmeric extracts.6-10
Figure no. 01: Plant Image, Stem, Flower, Leaves, Fruits and Seeds of A. Mexicans.
Literature Review: Several studies have demonstrated A. Mexicans antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis. 11-15Various extraction methods using solvents like methanol, hexane, and aqueous preparations have confirmed its broad-spectrum potential due to its alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
Plant Profile:
Botanical Name: Argemone Mexicana L.
Family: Papaveraceae
Common Names: Mexican Poppy, Pila Dhatura, Phirangi Dhotra
Active Constituents: Berberine, Protopine, Pancorin, Oxyberberin, Alkaloids, Flavonoids.
Medicinal Uses: Antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, expectorant.16-23
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Plant Collection and Preparation: Fresh leaves were collected, washed with distilled water, shade-dried, and ground into powder.
Extraction: Using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol as solvent, concentrated extract was obtained and stored for analysis.
Figure no. 02: Collection and preparation of A. Mexicana.
Figure no. 03: Soxhlet extraction and evaporation of aqueous extract of A. Mexicana.
Anti-Bacterial Assay: Agar Well Diffusion Method was employed using nutrient agar inoculated with E. coli. Wells were filled with varying concentrations of A. Mexicana extract, turmeric extract (positive control), and distilled water (negative control). Zones of inhibition were measured after 24 and 48 hours.
Figure no. 04: Preparation of nutrient agar medium for A. Mexicana.
Figure no. 05: Zone of Inhibition after 24 hrs.
Figure no. 06: Zone of Inhibition after 48 hrs.
RESULT
The antibacterial activity of Argemone Mexicana extract and turmeric extract was evaluated against Escherichia coli by measuring the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) after 24 and 48 hours.
For the Argemone Mexicana extract:
- At 4% concentration, the ZOI was 10 mm after 24 hours and 11 mm after 48 hours.
- At 8% concentration, the ZOI was 13 mm after 24 hours and 14 mm after 48 hours.
- At 12% concentration, the ZOI was 16 mm after 24 hours and 17 mm after 48 hours.
For the turmeric extract:
- At 4% concentration, the ZOI was 18 mm after 24 hours and 20 mm after 48 hours.
- At 8% concentration, the ZOI was 21 mm after 24 hours and 23 mm after 48 hours.
- At 12% concentration, the ZOI was 24 mm after 24 hours and 26 mm after 48 hours.
The water (negative control) showed no antibacterial activity, with a Zone of Inhibition of 0 mm at both 24 and 48 hours.
Table no. 01: Result of Zone of inhibition after 24 and 48 hrs of different extract:
|
Treatment |
Volume (µL) |
ZOI after 24 hr (mm) |
ZOI after 48 hr (mm) |
|
Argemone Mexicana extract |
4 % |
10 |
11 |
|
8 % |
13 |
14 |
|
|
12 % |
16 |
17 |
|
|
Turmeric extract |
4 % |
18 |
20 |
|
8 % |
21 |
23 |
|
|
12 % |
24 |
26 |
|
|
Water (Control) |
- |
0 |
0 |
DISCUSSION
The study demonstrated a dose-dependent antibacterial effect of Argemone Mexicana extracts. Although turmeric exhibited a larger inhibition zone, the extract of A. Mexicana also significantly inhibited bacterial growth. The activity is attributed to its rich content of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and flavonoids.
CONCLUSION
Both Argemone Mexicana and turmeric extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli. This supports the potential use of Argemone Mexicana as a natural antimicrobial agent. Further research including MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) determination and phytochemical studies is recommended.
Marketed Preparations:
- Pure Organic Mexican Poppy Tablets – Skin diseases, microbial infections
- Yogimate Poppy Seed Powder – Digestive aid, respiratory support
- SBL Argemone Mexicana Dilution – Skin and liver support
- Argemone Mother Tincture – Respiratory and digestive aid
- Natural Herbs Poppy Seeds – Digestive and liver health booster.
Acknowledgement
I sincerely extend my profound gratitude to Prof. Atish Salunkhe, Prof. Namita Jadhav, Prof. Jitendra More and Dr. A. V. Patil, Principal of Prof. Ravindra Nikam College of Pharmacy, Nagaon, Dhule, Maharashtra, for their invaluable guidance, insightful contributions, and unwavering support. Their expert mentorship, constructive feedback, and continuous encouragement have been instrumental in the successful completion of this research.
Ethical Approval:
This review article does not content of any use of animal model.
Conflict of Interest:
Authors declared that no conflict of interest for review of article.
Funding:
NA.
REFERENCES
Kothawade Sakshi, Kuril Nandini, Mahadik Rohit, Atish Salunkhe, Namita Jadhav, Jitendra More, Elucidation of Anti-Bacterial Potential of Argemone Mexicana, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 5, 557-562. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15335742
10.5281/zenodo.15335742
