argemone mexicana

Argemone mexicana is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), commonly known as Mexican poppy or Mexican prickly poppy. It is native to Mexico but now widely naturalized across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various ailments including skin diseases, wounds, leprosy, malaria (notably as a tea in Mali), jaundice, rheumatism, pain and inflammation, fever, piles (hemorrhoids), warts and tumors[3][4][7]. Extracts from its leaves and stems have demonstrated antifungal activity against several pathogenic fungi and cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines in vitro[2]. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids such as sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine; other notable alkaloids include berberine and protopine[3][4]. Pharmacological studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with potential hepatoprotective effects relevant to liver health and liver cancer management[5][7]. Despite its medicinal uses it is considered toxic if ingested due to its alkaloid content.

Other names

Mexican poppyMexican prickly poppyflowering thistlecardocardosantoprickly poppyyellow thistle