Mexican Poppy

Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly poppy, flowering thistle, cardo or cardosanto) is a species of poppy found in Mexico and now widely naturalized in many parts of the world. An extremely hardy pioneer plant, it is tolerant of drought and poor soil, often being the only cover on new road cuttings or verges. It has bright yellow latex, and though poisonous to grazing animals, is rarely eaten, but has been used medicinally by many people including those in its native area, the Natives of the western US and parts of Mexico.


Common Name:
Mexican Poppy
Other Names:
Cardo, Cardosanto, Flowering Thistle, Mexican Prickly Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Thistle Poppy
Botanical Name:
Argemone mexicana
Genus:
Argemone
Family:
Papaveraceae
Native Location:
Mexico, widely naturalized worldwide.
Parts Used:
Seeds
Chemical Constituents:
A. mexicana seeds contain 22-36% of a pale yellow non-edible oil, called argemone oil or katkar oil, which contains the toxic alkaloids sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. Four quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids,dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine, have been isolated from the whole plant of Argemone mexicana.
The seed pods secrete a pale yellow latex when cut open. This argemone resin contains berberine and protopine

  • Berberine
  • Dihydrosanguinarine
  • Protopine
  • Sanguinarine
  • Traditional Medicine:
    The Seri of Sonora, Mexico use the entire plant both fresh and dried. An infusion is made to relieve kidney pain, to help expel a torn placenta, and in general to help cleanse the body after parturition.
    When the Spanish arrived in Sonora they added this plant to their pharmacopia and called it cardosanto, which should not be mistranslated to blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus). The seeds are taken as a laxative.
    An Argemone mexicana tea is used by traditional healers in Mali to treat malaria. The whole plant is used to make a tea and as much tea as possible is drunk until symptoms disappear. This use has been studied clinically for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. In one study, 73% of patients treated had an adequate clinical response, but very few patients had complete parasite clearance. Another study found that use of Argemone mexicana may be a suitable first-aid treatment in rural areas when access to other better antimalarials is delayed.
    Other uses:
    Biodiesel production from A. mexicana seed oil using crystalline manganese carbonate has been demonstrated.
    Known Effects:
    Midly depresses central nervous system.
    Miscellaneous Information:
    This poppy is not the origin of morphine, codeine, or other narcotics.
    Possible Additional Effects:
    Smoking prickly poppy may produce euphoria and reduce pain.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future.
  • Have a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis.

  • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

  • Pregnancy:
    Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Breastfeeding:
    Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 weeks with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

  • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Toxicity:
    The seeds resemble the seeds of Brassica nigra (mustard). As a result, mustard can be adulterated by argemone seeds, rendering it poisonous. Several significant instances of katkar poisoning have been reported in India, Fiji,South Africa and other countries. The last major outbreak in India occurred in 1998. 1% adulteration of mustard oil by argemone oil has been shown to cause clinical disease. In India, Argemone oil is mixed with sunflower oil and sesame oil to increase the quantity, but this adulteration causes health disorders and renowned brands display "no argemone oil" to qualify purity.
    Katkar oil poisoning causes epidemic dropsy, with symptoms including extreme swelling, particularly of the legs.
    Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended periods of time.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to do

    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Dizziness Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Fluid Retention Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.
    Loss of Consciousness Seek emergency treatment.
    Nausea and Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Swollen Abdomen Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.
    Vision Disturbances Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    Wikipedia article—Argemone mexicana
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books. 421-422