Metabolomic Approaches in Assessing the Insecticidal Activity of the Extracts from Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) Against Three Diverse Crop Pests of Economic Importance.

For years, crop protection from pest attack, has been dominated by the use of synthetic insecticides. However, many of them can cause severe environmental problems and human health. In this context, the use of plant extracts constitutes an alternative to avoid this kind of contaminants. In this work, we investigated the chemical constituents and insecticidal activity of different extracts of leaves and stems of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) against three economically important pests Sitophilos zeamais (Coleoptera:Curculionidae), Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) and Xyleborus ferrugineus (Coleoptera:Scolytidae). A GC-MS analysis mostly revealed the presence benzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as allocryptopine, protopine, among others. For the insecticidal activity, after nine hours of contact, the methanolic leaves extract showed a 100 % of mortality, followed by the dichloromethane stems extract with up to 93 % of mortality. The results suggest that the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are involved in the insecticidal activity through the octopaminergic system of the tested insects.

Impact of Argemone mexicana L. on tomato plants infected with Phytophthora infestans.

Background: Fungal diseases can cause significant losses in the tomato crop. Phytophthora infestans causes the late blight disease, which considerably affects tomato production worldwide. Weed-based plant extracts are a promising ecological alternative for disease control. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the plant extract of Argemone mexicana L. using chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). We evaluated its impact on the severity of P. infestans, as well as its effect on the components of the antioxidant defense system in tomato plants. Results: The extract from A. mexicana contains twelve compounds most have antifungal and biostimulant properties. The findings of the study indicate that applying the A. mexicana extract can reduce the severity of P. infestans, increase tomato fruit yield, enhance the levels of photosynthetic pigments, ascorbic acid, phenols, and flavonoids, as well as decrease the biosynthesis of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide anion in the leaves of plants infected with this pathogen. These results suggest that using the extract from A. mexicana could be a viable solution to control the disease caused by P. infestans in tomato crop.

Isolation of Protoplasts from Tissues of Mexican Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana L.): An Alkaloid-Producing Medicinal Plant.

Protoplasts are plant cells from which the pectocellulosic cell wall has been removed, thus keeping the plasma membrane intact. For plant secondary metabolites research, this system is a powerful tool to study the metabolites' dynamics inside the cells, such as the subcellular localization of proteins, characterization of gene function, transcription factors involved in metabolite pathways, protein transport machinery, and to perform single-cell omics studies. Due to its lack of a cell wall, better images of the interior of the cell can be obtained compared to the whole tissue. This allows the identification of specific cell types involved in the accumulation of specialized metabolites, such as alkaloids, given their autofluorescence properties. Here is a simplified protocol to obtain protoplasts from leaves and in vitro cell cultures from Argemone mexicana, which produces the pharmacologically important alkaloids berberine and sanguinarine.

Safe and sustainable food packaging: Argemone albiflora mediated green synthesized silver-carrageenan nanocomposite films.

Silver-Carrageenan (Ag/Carr) nanocomposite film for food packing application by the green method using Argemone albiflora leaf extract has been developed in this study. Different plant parts of Argemone albiflora (blue stem prickly poppy) are used all over the world for the treatment of microbial infections, jaundice, skin diseases etc. GC-MS analysis was used to examine the phytochemical found in the Argemone albiflora leaf extract which reduces the metal ions to nanoscale. The biopolymer employed in the synthesis of nanocomposite film was carrageenan, a natural carbohydrate (polysaccharide) extracted from edible red seaweeds. We developed a food packing that is biodegradable, eco-friendly, economical and free from harmful chemicals. These films possess better UV barrier and mechanical and antimicrobial properties with 1 mM AgNO3 solution. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the carrageenan matrix was evident from FESEM. The mechanical properties were analysed by a Universal testing machine (UTM) and different properties like water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture content (MC) and total soluble matter (TSM) important for food packing applications were also analysed. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized film samples were studied against E. coli and S. aureus pathogenic bacteria. These films were employed for the storage of cottage cheese (dairy product) and strawberries (fruit). This packing increased the shelf life of the packed food effectively. Ag/Carr films are biodegradable within four weeks.

A new species of Bracon (Braconidae: Braconinae) from central Mexico, probable parasitoid of a weevil that feeds on roots of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae).

A new species of the braconine genus Bracon (subgenus Bracon), B. hidalguensis sp. nov., is described from the locality of Tasquillo in the state of Hidalgo, central Mexico. The new species was reared from roots of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae), where specimens of the weevil species Conotrachelus leucophaeus (Champion) (Curculionidae) were also obtained and thus probably it represents its host. The new Bracon species was characterised molecularly with DNA barcoding (COI) and a fragment of the variable D23 region of the nuclear ribosomal 28S gene.

Riesgos de la herbolaria: reporte de un caso de hepatitis por cardo santo (Argemone mexicana L) / Risks of herbalism: a case report of Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana L) induced liver toxicity

El consumo cada vez mayor de productos de la medicina alternativa y complementaria ha permitido reconocer con más frecuencia los efectos deletéreos asociados y las interacciones que estos productos pueden ocasionar. Así en la literatura médica encontramos casos reportados de toxicidad hepática con Aloe (sábila), Camellia sinensis (té verde), Rhammus purshianus (cáscara sangrada), Aesculus hippocastanum (castaño de indias) y Valeriana officinalis (valeriana), entre otros. El presente caso trata sobre una paciente femenina que consumió en dos ocasiones cardo santo (Argemone mexicana L), con intervalo de un año entre un evento y otro. En ambas oportunidades desarrolló un cuadro de diarrea, ictericia y ataque al estado general con alteración en las pruebas de función hepática. Se excluyeron otras causas de hepatopatía. Se utilizaron escalas para evaluar efectos adversos en el hígado relacionados con medicamentos. Se recabó la información del expediente clínico de la paciente y se revisó la bibliografía relacionada con el tema. Se concluyó que existe la posibilidad de lesión hepática relacionada con el consumo de Argemone mexicana L, al menos en esta paciente.

The increasing consumption of alternative medicines has lead to a greater awareness about the deleterious effects and interactions that these products can induce. Consequently, medical literature reports liver toxicity from Aloe, Camellia sinensis (green tea), Rhammus purshianus, Aesculus hippocastanum (buckeye) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian), among others. This article reports a female patient who twice consumed Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana L) with a one-year interval between ingestions. Both times she developed diarrhea, jaundice and general malaise with impaired liver function tests. Other causes of liver disease were ruled out. Questionnaires were used to assess the possibility of drug-induced liver damage. Clinical information was collected from the patient’s medical record and the literature on the subject was reviewed. We conclude that, at least in this case, the most likely cause of liver toxicity was Argemone mexicana L consumption.

Antimicrobial activity of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Chicalote) / Actividad antimicrobiana de Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Chicalote)

Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) is used to treat eye infection, respiratory and dermatological disorders in Tepotzotlán, State of México (México). The aim of this work was to investigate antimicrobial activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from aerial parts of A. ochroleuca. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against thirteen bacteria and nine fungal strains. Only methanol extract showed antimicrobial activity. S. aureus (MIC= 125 ug/mL) and C. neoformans (MIC= 500 ug/mL) were the most sensitive strains. The bioassay-guide purification of the methanolic extract resulted in the isolation and identification of the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine. The present study confirms the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of A. ochroleuca.

Infusiones de la parte aérea de Argemone ochroleuca Sweet (Papaveraceae) son utilizadas por los pobladores de Tepotzotlán, Estado de México, para el tratamiento de infecciones en los ojos, enfermedades respiratorias y dermatológicas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la actividad antimicrobiana de los extractos hexánicos, acetato de etilo y metanólico de la parte aérea de A. ochroleuca. La actividad antimicrobiana fue evaluada frente a trece cepas bacterianas y nueve cepas fúngicas. Solo el extracto metanólico presentó actividad antimicrobiana. S. aureus (MIC= 125 ug/mL) y C. neoformans (MIC= 500 ug/mL) fueron las cepas que presentaron mayor sensibilidad. La purificación biodirigida del extracto metanólico dio como resultado el aislamiento e identificación del alcaloide isoquinolínico berberina. El presente estudio confirma la actividad antimicrobiana del extracto metanólico de A. ochroleuca.

Polyphenolic and biological activities of leaves extracts of Argemone subfusiformis (Papaveraceae) and Urtica urens (Urticaceae)

Nowadays there is a resurgence of interest in wild plants for their possible medicinal value in diets, since some epidemiological studies have demonstrated their effectiveness against important diseases. Generally, foods of plant origin contain many bioactive compounds, proteins, energy, vitamins and specific minerals; in addition, the popular wild plant species provide fibre, essential fatty acids and enhance the taste and colour in diets. We studied the nutritional and medicinal potential of leaves of A. subfusiformis and U. urens, collected in Alice, South Africa in November 2006. To asses this we analyzed the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of leaves in acetone, methanol and water extracts, using standard analytical methods. The proximate analysis showed that the leaves of both plant species contained appreciable percentages of moisture; ashes; carbohydrates; crude proteins, lipids and fibres. Elemental analysis of macro and microelements showed higher values for U. urens that contained in decreasing order: iron>manganese>zinc>copper>calcium>potassium>nitrogen>magnesium> phosphorus>sodium, for A. subfusiformis resulted in iron>zinc>manganese>coppe r>calcium>potassium>nitrogen>magnesium>phosphorus>sodium. Besides, the chemical composition showed higher concentration of alkaloids, saponins and phytates in A. subfusiformis. The extracts also caused 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2-azinobis-3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities which were comparable to those of ascorbic acid. The extracts of both plants contained appreciable levels of polyphenols and also caused varied inhibition of some bacterial strains used in this study. When the nutrient and chemical constituents of these plants were compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values, the results revealed that the leaves contain an appreciable amount of nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals and low levels of toxicants. Since the plants also exhibited some level of antibacterial activities, their use for medicinal purposes is to some extent being justified. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1517-1531. Epub 2010 December 01.

En la actualidad se ha dado un resurgimiento del interés en las plantas silvestres por su posible valor en la dieta, como consecuencia de algunos estudios epidemiológicos que han demostrado efectividad contra importantes enfermedades. En general, los alimentos de origen vegetal contienen muchos compuestos bioactivos, proteínas, energía, vitaminas y minerales específicos; además, las especies silvestres populares proporcionan fibras, ácidos grasos esenciales y aditivos para mejorar el sabor y color de los alimentos. Estudiamos el potencial nutricional y medicinal de las hojas de A. subfusiformis y U. urens, recolectados en Alice, Sudáfrica, en noviembre de 2006. Analizamos los compuestos químicos y antioxidantes de estas plantas, la actividad antibacteriana de las hojas en extractos acuosos, con acetona y metanol, utilizando los métodos estándares de análisis. Encontramos que las hojas de ambas especies contienen apreciables porcentajes de humedad, cenizas, carbohidratos, proteínas, lípidos y fibras. El análisis de los macro y microelementos mostró valores altos para U. urens en el siguiente orden decreciente: >hierro>manganeso>zinc>cobre>calcio>potasio>nitrógeno>magnesio>fósforo>sodio y para A. subfusiformis fue: hierro>zinc>manganeso>cobre>calcio> potasio>nitrógeno>magnesio>fósforo>sodio. Además, la composición química mostró una alta concentración de alcaloides, saponinas y fitatos en A. subfusiformis. Estos extractos 1, 1 - difenil-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) y 2, 2-azinobis-3 ácido etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfúrico (ABTS) también causaron actividad en el barrido de radicales comparables con los del ácido ascórbico. Los extractos de ambas especies contienen niveles apreciables de polifenoles y también causaron una variada inhibición de algunas cepas bacterianas utilizadas en el estudio. Cuando los nutrientes y compuestos químicos de estas plantas se compararon con los valores dietéticos recomendados (RDA), los resultados revelaron que las hojas contenían una apreciable cantidad de nutrientes, minerales, compuestos químicos y bajos niveles de sustancias tóxicas. Dado que las plantas también mostraron un cierto nivel de actividad antibacteriana, su utilización para fines medicinales en cierta medida está justificada.

Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation of Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana L)

Shoot apex, leaf primordia, leaf sections and roots from Mexican prickly poppy seedlings, were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring the binary vector pCAMBIA2301, which contained the beta-glucuronidase (uid A) gene. Histochemical beta-glucuronidase (GUS) assay in infected explants showed transient gus gene expression between 3 and 12 days after inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. mexicana susceptibility to A. tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation.

Antibacterial potentiality of Argemone mexicana solvent extracts against some pathogenic bacteria

The sensitivity of two Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria was tested against the crude extracts (cold aqueous, hot aqueous, and methanol extracts) of leaves and seeds of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) by agar well diffusion method. Though all the extracts were found effective, yet the methanol extract showed maximum inhibition against the test microorganisms followed by hot aqueous extract and cold aqueous extract.

Actividad antitumoral de una mezcla de polisacáridos obtenida de la especie Argemone mexicana L / Antitumoral activity of a mixture of polysaccharides obtained from Argemone mexicana L. species

En la actualidad, las plantas constituyen la principal fuente de obtención de la mayoría de los fármacos que pueden ser útiles para el tratamiento del cáncer. Se realizó la extracción de una mezcla de polisacáridos a partir de hojas de la planta Argemone mexicana L., conocida como Cardo Santo, colectada en el período de floración. Se empleó el método de incorporación de Timidina tritiada para determinar el efecto de la mezcla sobre la proliferación celular en líneas celulares humanas (H125 y U1906). La actividad antitumoral de este crudo de polisacáridos, administrado solo o combinado con 2 citóstaticos conocidos, se evaluó en ratones inoculados con células tumorales de Leucemia Linfocítica P-388 y Sarcoma 37 y su actividad antitumoral indirecta se valoró en el tumor ascítico de Ehrlich. En todos los casos se calculó el aumento del tiempo de sobrevida respecto al patrón de comparación positivo o negativo. La mezcla de polisacáridos provocó rechazo a la implantación del tumor de Ehrlich y su administración conjunta con el citóstatico 5 Fluoracilo produjo un incremento moderado de la actividad antitumoral en los ratones portadores del tumor Sarcoma 37. Estos resultados pudieran estar relacionados con el posible efecto estimulador de esta mezcla sobre el sistema inmune de los animales con tumor. Es necesario estudiar el efecto sobre el sistema inmune de la mezcla de polisacáridos obtenidos de la especie A. mexicana y la efectividad de su combinación con otros citostáticos, para determinar su posible uso como adyuvante de la quimioterapia para el tratamiento del cáncer

At present, plants are the main source of obtention of most of the drugs that may be useful for treating cancer. A mixture of polysaccharides was extracted from the leaves of Argemone mexicana L. plant, also known as Cardo Santo, collected in the flowering period. The method of incorporation of tritiated Thymidine was used to determine the effect of the mixture on the cellular proliferation in human cellular lines (H125 and U1906). The antitumoral activity of this crude of polysaccharides administered alone or combined with 2 known cytostatic agents was evaluated in mice inoculated with tumoral cells of lymphocytic leukemia P-388 and sarcoma 37 and their indirect antitumoral activity was assessed in Ehrlich's ascitic tumor. In all the cases, it was calculated the increase of survival time in relation to the positive or negative pattern of comparison. The mixture of polysaccharides caused a rejection to Elrich's tumor implantation, and its administration together with 5-Fluoracyl produced a moderate increase of the antitumoral activity in the mice carriers of the Sarcoma 37 tumor. These results may be related to the possible stimulating effect of this mixture on the immune system of the animals with tumor. It is necessary to study the effect of the mixture of polysaccharides obtained from A. Mexicana species on the immune system, and the effectivity of its mixture with other cytostatic agents to determine its possible use as a chemotherapy adjuvant for the treatment of cancer.