Evaluation of pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of Argemone mexicana linn leaves

Abstract

Argemone mexicana (papaveraceae) grows in Yemen and is used to treat skin infections. Little research has been done on this species, so its leaves were selected to evaluate their pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties. Pharmacognostic parameters were performed. Phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, proteins, triterpenes, sterols, and carbohydrates were detected. The 80% methanolic extract was subjected to fractionation using column chromatography, which yielded 61 fractions that were pooled together based on the TLC profile to give extract fractions F1, F2, and F3. All fractions showed antioxidant activity using TLC-bioautography and a DPPH radical scavenging assay. The IC50 values of F1 (81.64±4.2 μg /ml) and F2 (85.51±3.47 μg /ml) showed strong scavenging activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated. These results confirm the traditional use of this plant and are useful for further study, in addition, it may be a good source of natural antioxidants.