Prickly Poppy, TPA alkaloid extract of Argemone mexicana
Argemone mexicana, also known as Mexican poppy or prickly poppy, is a spiny annual plant from the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to Mexico and Central America and now naturalised as a weed in many warm climates. The plant has been used for generations in the folk medicine of Central America and South Asia, where seeds, leaves and sap have traditionally been applied for a range of purposes that are not scientifically confirmed.
The plant naturally contains isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly protopine and berberine, and smaller amounts of sanguinarine, chelerythrine and allocryptopine. These compounds have been studied in laboratory and animal research, including a study on smooth muscle tissue effects; reliable human research on the dosage, effects or safety of this extract is lacking. Argemone seed oil is also known as a risk factor in adulterated cooking oil: poisonings from sanguinarine in contaminated edible oil have been reported in India. That risk does not concern this extract, but it shows that the plant contains compounds that can be harmful if misused.
This extract is made using the TPA method (Total Purified Alkaloids): the alkaloids are isolated from the plant material through several extraction and purification steps and then dissolved in an ethanol and water base. The result is a clear liquid extract without plant residue, wax or chlorophyll.
Dosage
We offer this extract strictly as an ethnobotanical and educational herbal product, not for human consumption. Given the limited and partly concerning safety data on this plant's alkaloids, we do not provide dosage advice.
Use
The extract is meant for anyone interested in the botany and folk-medicine history of Argemone mexicana, for study purposes or as an addition to a collection of ethnobotanical herbal extracts. Use is at the buyer's own responsibility; do not use this product during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are under 18.
Storage
Store the extract cool, dark and upright with the cap closed, out of reach of children. Close the cap tightly after use to prevent the ethanol from evaporating. At Dutch-Smart you will also find the alkaloid extracts of White Water Lily and Banisteriopsis caapi in the same range, two other ethnobotanical herbal extracts.
