Argemone mexicana (Zèb-dragon) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Argemone mexicana (Zèb-dragon) — family Papavéracées.

Recognised external sources linked to this monograph: TRAMIL and French Pharmacopoeia.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 20 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The monograph draws on 163 scientific references recorded for the species.

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Note: scientific reference excerpts are kept in their original language (most often English), without translation, to respect the source text of publications.

1. Infection : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Fluconazole-like.
   According to Al Zomor AKY (2016): The evaluation of antibacterial as well as antifungal activity were done against standard bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa) & standard fungal strains (Aspergillus flavus & Candida albicans) respectively. Ciprofloxacin used as antibacterial positive control & Fluconazole as antifungal positive control. According to Mas TM (2018): Also, the antibacterial activity (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella Typhimurium & Bacillus subtilis) & antifungal (Candida albicans) were determined from the dried extract with a concentration of 250mg/ml.
2. Mosquito control : Plant part used: Flower.
   According to Granados-Echegoyen C (2018): Quinquefasciatus ; it can be considered a promising alternative control for this mosquito species. Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), an arboviral & filarial vector, is one of the most widespread mosquitoes in the world. According to Sakthivadivel M (2012): Conventional insecticides are generally used as larvicides to control Culex quinquefasciatus, vector of lymphatic filariasis.
3. Anxiety, nervousness, stress : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Diazépam-like.
   According to Arcos-Martinez M (2016): From their aerial parts, flavonoids and alkaloids have been isolated, which are intrinsically related to some actions on the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of the plant, using its ethanolic extract & alkaloid-enriched extract obtained from fresh leaves. According to Asuntha G (2014): We studied its effect on induced status epilepticus (SE) & oxidative stress in rats.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use and full scientific references are available in the complete monograph.

Photo credit : Photo by Vinayaraj without modification (CC BY 4.0). License : CC BY 4.0.