Exploring the Ecological Significance and Medicinal Potential of Argemone mexicana in Untamed Landscapes

Argemone mexicana (Mexican prickly poppy) is a hardy plant widely distributed in arid and disturbed landscapes. It has long been valued in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, while also playing an important ecological role. However, its toxic potential, particularly in relation to epidemic dropsy, raises significant public health and forensic concerns. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using published literature. A. mexicana contributes to soil stabilization, erosion control, and pollinator support. Ethnomedicinal practices report its use in dermatological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, hepatic, and inflammatory disorders. Scientific studies confirm diverse activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antiviral effects, largely attributed to isoquinoline alkaloids. Conversely, toxic alkaloids such as sanguinarine are implicated in epidemic dropsy, with characteristic forensic and autopsy findings and global public health implications. A. mexicana represents a dual entity—an ecologically valuable and pharmacologically promising plant with serious toxicological risks. Sustainable conservation, rigorous scientific validation, strict regulatory control, and forensic vigilance are essential to safely harness its therapeutic potential while protecting public health.