Isolation and identification of antibacterial components in seed extracts of Argemone mexicana L.(Papaveraceae)

Objective:The column chromatographic fractions of chloroform(CH1,CH2,CH3) seed extracts of Argemone mexicana(A.mexicana) were screened for antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis.Methods:CH3 fraction was isolated and identified by column chromatography,thin layer chromatography,spectral data analysis and phytochemical screening were used for analysis. Results:CH3 fraction was significantly active at 4 to 64 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.5625 to 3.125 mg/mL.The active fraction(CH3) revealed presence of alkaloid with retention factor value of 0.44.The active antibacterial agent in the most potent fraction (CH3) was isolated and identified as N-demethyloxysanguinarine by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and phytochemical screening.The CH1 and CH2 fractions did not show inhibitory activity. Conclusions:The results support the ethnomedicinal use of seeds of A.mexicana for treatment of bacterial diseases.

Argemone mexicana extract alleviates gastrointestinal disorders by stimulating muscarinic receptors and blocking voltage-gated L-type calcium channels

Objective:To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models.Methods:The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath.The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System.The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis,respectively.Results:The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were(267.75±5.77)mg GAE/g and(73.86±6.01)mg QE/g,respectively.Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC_(50)value of 0.016 mg/m L,which was blocked by atropine(0.3μM).Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC_(50)value of 2.185 mg/mL.Furthermore,Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium(80 mM)-induced contractions(EC_(50):9.07 mg/mL),similar to a standard drug verapamil.The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract(1-5 mg/mL)and verapamil(0.1-1μM).In addition,the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks.Conclusions:Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities,as well as antiemetic effect.It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Experimental investigation into the effects of Argemone biodiesel/diesel blends on cyclic variations in a multi-cylinder CRDI engine

Internal combustion engines suffer from high cyclic variations that result in higher emissions,lower efficiency,higher fuel consump-tion and poor drivability.The purpose of this study is to investigate how Argemone mexicana biodiesel(AGB)/diesel blended fuels affect the cyclic variability of combustion parameters such as maximum cylinder pressure(Pmax)and indicated mean effective pressure(IMEP)in a four-cylinder turbocharged intercooled common-rail direct injection engine under various engine loading conditions.The chemical and physical properties of AGB produced from A.mexicana oil were measured and compared according to the ASTM D6751 standards.In various volumetric ratios,AGB and diesel fuel were blended as D100,AB10(10%AGB+90%D100),AB20(20%AGB+80%D100)and AB30(30%AGB+70%D100).The IMEP and Pmax time-series data were collected over 200 consecutive cycles at low,partial and high engine loads at a constant engine speed of 2000 rpm.The coefficients of variation(COV)of combustion parameters(Pmax and IMEP)were measured for different AGB/diesel blends and found to be within acceptable limits.The results show that COV_(Pmax) and COV_(IMEP) decrease as the engine load increases.It was observed that at low load,AB10 has the lowest COV(Pmax,IMEP),and at partial and high load,AB20 has the lowest COV(Pmax,IMEP)among all the blends.