Phytochemical Profile of Valuable Herb Satyanashi (Argemone Mexicana L.) with Reference to its Economic Importance and Medicinal Properties

Many plants are considered wild or weed with no economic value, Argemone mexicana L. is one such widely growing neglected weed in almost all the regions of India. Argemone mexicana, aka; Satyanashi commonly known as prickly poppy, is a spiny plant native to subtropical regions and widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathic medicine for several years. Each part of the plant contains bioactive compounds that contribute to the treatment of various ailments, including HIV, malaria, ringworm infections, fungal diseases, and cancer. These therapeutic effects have been examined through both in vivo and in vitro studies, with findings supporting its medicinal potential. The leaves, stem, latex, roots, and seeds of Argemone mexicana L. exhibit diverse pharmacological properties. Several phytochemical compounds extracted from its seeds have shown effectiveness in treating chronic diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers, and respiratory infections. This study has outlined the medicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and potential adverse effects associated with the plant.