Determination of total phenolic, free radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial activity of root extracts of Argemone mexicana L. in methanol solvent

Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), tropical yearly wild plant, called as Mexican prickly poppy is a species of poppy, found in Mexico and now widely naturalized in many parts of the world with broad range of activities. The main aim of this study was to evaluate total phenolic content, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity in root part of A. mexicana. Root parts of A. mexicana were extracted with methanol using Soxhlet apparatus and further concentrated on rotatory vacuum evapoprator. The total phenolic content of methanol root extracts was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method, and antibacterial activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method. Total phenolics in root extracts were found to be 8.91 mg GAE/g. Methanolic root extract of A. mexicana showed that DPPH free radical scavenging activity varied widely and it increased with increase in concentration levels. The IC50 value of the methanolic extract was lowest 24.98 mu g/ml and indicating the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The higher antifungal activity is exhibited by methanol root extracts as comparable to standard. Methanol root extract of A. mexicana was said to be valuable for antioxidant potential as well as for fine antifungal activity.