Abstract

EMERGING ROLE OF ARGEMONE MEXICANA IN DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC INSIGHTS

Prashant Kumar^*, Nandani Sonkar, Tanya Yadav, Tanya Singh, Disha Chandra

Abstract

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), commonly known as Satyanashi, is a medicinal plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine for the management of various skin-related disorders, including wounds, eczema, scabies, ringworm, itching, and other infectious conditions. The therapeutic potential of A. mexicana is attributed to the presence of diverse bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and terpenoids. Important phytochemicals including sanguinarine, berberine, chelerythrine, and protopine have been reported to exhibit significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. The present review highlights the pharmacognostical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and dermatological applications of A. mexicana. Various experimental studies have demonstrated that different extracts of the plant possess notable antibacterial and antifungal activities against several pathogenic microorganisms associated with skin infections. Additionally, the plant has shown potential in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors involved in chronic dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. Pharmacognostical evaluation, including macroscopic and microscopic examination, contributes to the authentication, identification, and standardization of the crude drug, ensuring its quality and purity. Growing interest in herbal therapeutics has encouraged the development of plant-based topical formulations. In this context, A. mexicana represents a promising candidate for incorporation into dermatological preparations such as creams, gels, ointments, and novel nanoformulations. Overall, the available evidence suggests that Argemone mexicana possesses considerable potential in dermatological therapy. However, further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical investigations are required to establish its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

Keywords: Argemone mexicana, Dermatological disorders, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial activity, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory activity, Herbal medicine.