Argemone Mexicana Research Articles

Effect of Argemone mexicana active principles on inhibiting viral multiplication and stimulating immune system in Pacific white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei against white spot syndrome virus

Argemone mexicana 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 bioactivities including anthelmintic, cures lepsory, skin-diseases, inflammations and bilious fevers. Plant parts of A. mexicana were serially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and performed antiviral and immunostimulant screening against WSSV and Vibrio harveyi respectively. The control groups succumbed to death 100% within three days, whereas the mortality was significantly (P < 0.5) reduced to 17.43 and 7.11 in the ethyl acetate extracts of stem and root treated shrimp group respectively. The same trend was reflected in the immunostimulant screening also. Different diets were prepared by the concentrations of 100 (AD-1), 200 (AD-2), 300 (AD-3) and 400 (AD-4) mg kg−1 using A. mexicana stem and root ethyl acetate extracts and fed to Pacific white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei weighed about 9.0 ± 0.5 g for 30 days. The control groups fed with the normal diets devoid of A. mexicana extracts. The antiviral screening results revealed that, the ethyl acetate extract of the stem and root were effectively suppressed the WSSV and it reflected in the lowest cumulative mortality of treated shrimps. After termination of feeding trials, group of shrimps from control and each experimental group were challenged with virulent WSSV by intramuscular (IM) injection and studied cumulative mortality, molecular diagnosis by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters. Control group succumbed to 100% death within four days, whereas the survival was significantly (P < 0.001) increased to 30, 45, 75 and 79% in AD1, AD-2, AD-4 and AD-5 diets fed shrimp groups respectively. qRT PCR results with positive correlation analysis revealed that, the WSSV copies were gradually decreased when increasing the A. mexicana extracts in the diets. The highest concentrations (300 and 400 mg g−1) of A. mexicana extracts in the diets helped to reduce the protein level significantly (P < 0.05) after WSSV challenge. The diets AD-3 and AD-4 also helped to decrease the coagulation time of maximum 64–67% from control groups and maintained the normal level of total haemocyte, oxyhaemocyanin level after WSSV challenge. The proPO level was significantly increased (Column: F = 35.93; P ≤ 0.001 and Row: F = 37.14; P ≤ 0.001) in the AD1-AD-4 diet fed groups from the control diet fed groups. The lowest intra-agar lysozyme activity of 1.63 mm found in control diet fed group and the activity were significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 4.86, 7.89, 9.12 and 10.45 mm of zone of inhibition respectively in AD1 to AD4 diet fed groups.

Evaluation of Diuretic Activity of Argemone mexicana

Argemone mexicana is reported to posses alkaloids, amino acids, phenolics and fatty acids as major phytochemical groups. A series of bioactive compounds have been reported and some of them are isolated from different parts of Argemone Mexicana. The whole plant of A. mexicana was reported to posses isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, cheilanthifoline, coptisine, muramine, scoulerine, stylopine, cryptopine, thalifone, sanguinarine, protopine, optisine, chelerytherine and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. tetrahydrober berine, protopine and Benzophenanthridines have been isolated from the plant. Seed oil otherwise called as Argemone oil reported to contain sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. It also contains palmitic, myristic, oleic and linoleic acids. However, no scientific record is available for the anticonvulsant activity of aerial part of the plant Argemone mexicana. Hence the present study was designed to evaluate these activities of chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract of Argemone mexicana leaves by using experimental models in mice.

Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fungal Activities of Methanol Extract of Argemone mexicana and its Potential Anti-Hepatitis Promises

Hepatitis has been a major plague of mankind. The history of the discovery of causative viruses is one of the most fascinating scientific adventures of this half-century. Individualization of several types of hepatitis only emerged after world war two. Their identification has been associated with milestones which revolutionized medicine and public health. The discovery of HBV brought the first ever vaccine not prepared by tissue culture but initially directly from plasma and soon the first vaccine produced by genetic engineering. Increasing evidence suggest that Viral Hepatitis is a critical disease that kills about 15% to 25% people prematurely due to its infection. Treatment with available interferons only suppresses viral reproduction in about 40% to 90% of patients with chronic hepatitis. Most people do not have a permanent response and relapse is common; the medications do not cure the infection. Determination of zone of inhibition by means of agar well method in this study, showed that Argemone mexicana extract exhibited antimicrobial effects against E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, at 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml respectively, for the antifungal activity, using A. niger, A. fumigatus and M. species the extracts at the same concentrations inhibited the growth of the fungi dose-dependently. The phytochemical screening of this plant revealed the presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids glycosides etc. which are reported to be responsible for numerous medicinal uses of plants. A. mexicana whose many pharmacological properties described by the traditional medical practitioners such as anti-hepatotoxic activity Anti-malarial, Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective, AntiHIV, anti-hepatitis and in the treatment of jaundice have been confirmed by several authors hence the need for the study. It is therefore eminent for us as scientist responsible for the discovery of noble drugs to characterize this plant should we find safer potent drugs for this scourge hepatitis.

Availability Evaluation of Twelve Antimalarial Medicinal Plants from Western Regions of Burkina Faso

Major research contributions in ethnopharmacology have generated vast amount of data associated with medicinal plants in Burkina Faso. Despite the relatively abundant literature on local medicinal plants supported by an institutional environment in favor of promoting traditional medicine, any national pharmacopoeia document or monographs on antimalarial medicinal plants aren't currently available. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and perception of traditional healers on the effectiveness and availability of 12 antimalarial plants from Burkina Faso. The survey was carried out on 12 antimalarial plants from western region during January-March 2013. The informants were 100 traditional healers and herbalist from the Western region, which gathered in association affiliated to General Directorate of Pharmacy, Medicines and Laboratories. A semi-structured and open questionnaire and herbarium were used for plant identification. The data showed that <i>Securidaca longepedunculata</i> (66%) and <i>Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides</i> (64%) was the lowest available followed by <i>Pavetta crassipes</i> (57%), <i>Argemone mexicana</i> (48%) and <i>Cochlospermum planchonii</i> (44%). The root uses of <i>C. planchonii</i> (51%), <i>S. longepedunculata</i> (24%) and <i>Z. zanthoxyloides</i> (11%) were probably their threat. <i>S. longepedunculata, Z. zanthoxyloides</i> and <i>P. crassipe</i>s are really in endangered due to their large medicinal uses particularly in malaria treatment. It need a new policy management and integrated breeding for these plants.

Infrared Spectrum and Sites of Action of Sanguinarine by Molecular Mechanics and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;ab initio&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Methods

Alkaloids occupy an important position in chemistry and pharmacology. Among the various alkaloids, berberine and coralyne of the protoberberine group, sanguinarine of the benzophenanthridine group, and aristololactam-b -d-glucoside of the aristolochia group have potential to form molecular complexes with nucleic acid structures and have attracted recent attention for their prospective clinical and pharmacological utility. Sanguinarine is an alkaloid studied in the treatment of cancer cell proliferation. Found in several plants, is used in traditional medicine from several countries with Mexico and India in the natural treatment of wounds, conjunctivitis and as hallucinogen. Is a toxic quaternary ammonium salt from the group of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. It is extracted from some plants, including bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana Linn) Chelidonium majus and Macleaya cordata. It is also found in the root, stem and leaves of the opium poppy but not in the capsule. Sanguinarine is a toxin that kills animal cells through its action on the Na+-K+-ATPase transmembrane protein. Due to the diverse properties of this alkaloid, via computational methods was made using quantum chemistry to try to clarify some molecular properties that characterize its main sites of action as a drug. A study was made on a molecular structure of the sanguinarine, by Molecular Mechanics, PM3, Hartree-Fock, Density Functional Theory and Moller-Plesset. For calculations a cluster of six computers was used with Prescott-256 Celeron© D processors. The first principles calculations have been performed to study the equilibrium configuration of Sanguinarine molecule. Several physical properties have been calculated, including formation enthalpies, entropies, dipole moments, and the infrared emission/absorption spectrum. The results showed that the main site of molecular interaction was determined to be the hydrogen atoms. This has a strong antioxidant potential in its structure. It probably interacts with free radicals reducing their carcinogenic effect on cells. A study of the infrared spectrum complemented the paper. Absorption peaks in the infrared spectrum at 1000 cm-1, for calculation MP2/6-31G and, 1240 and 1450 cm-1 for B3LYP/6-311G ** were obtained. The MP2 and B3LYP methods showed good results for the infrared absorption spectrum. Although the base used in the MP2 method is less accurate, compared to the B3LYP whose base xxx has more accurate and broader functionalities, they are approximately equal for frequency peaks located in the 1060.6 cm-1 and 991.1 cm-1 range.

Library of Norcoclaurine Synthases and Their Immobilization for Biocatalytic Transformations.

Norcoclaurine synthases (NCS), catalyzing a Pictet-Spengler reaction in plants as one of the first enzymes in the biosynthetic benzylisoquinoline pathway, are investigated for biocatalytic transformations. The library of NCS available is extended by two novel NCSs from Argemone mexicana (AmNCS1, AmNCS2) and one new NCS from Corydalis saxicola (CsNCS); furthermore, it is shown that the NCS from Papaver bracteatum (PbNCS) is a highly productive catalyst leading to the isoquinoline product with up to >99% e.e. Under certain conditions lyophilized whole Escherichia coli cells containing the various overexpressed NCS turned out to be suitable catalysts. The reaction using dopamine as substrate bears several challenges such as the spontaneous non-stereoselective background reaction and side reactions. The PbNCS enzyme is successfully immobilized on various carriers whereby EziG3 proved to be the best suited for biotransformations. Dopamine showed limited stability in solution resulting in the coating of the catalyst over time, which could be solved by the addition of ascorbic acid (e.g., 1 mg ml-1 ) as antioxidant.

Experimental investigations on performance and emission characteristics of variable speed multi-cylinder compression ignition engine using Diesel/Argemone biodiesel blends

The present work explores the use of argemone mexicana (non-edible and adulterer to mustard oil) biodiesel in multicylinder compression ignition, indirect injection engine. Argemone Mexicana biodiesel was produced by transesterification process and the important physico-chemical properties of various blends were investigated. Blends of diesel/biodiesel (AB10, AB20, AB30 and AB40) were prepared and used for analysing the engine performance and emission characteristics at varying loads (0, 25, 50 and 75%) and speeds (2500–4000 r/min). The results show improvement in indicated thermal efficiency and indicated specific fuel consumption with increased proportion of biodiesel in diesel, when compared to conventional diesel. In addition, exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon and smoke opacity were significantly reduced by AOME/diesel blends. The improvement in engine performance and exhaust emissions were observed up to 30% blending of AOME/diesel. Beyond that, higher blend (AB40) showed deterioration in performance characteristics in contrast to AB30 but still better as compared to conventional diesel.

Yellow colored blooms of Argemone mexicana and Turnera ulmifolia mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and study of their antibacterial and antioxidant activity

In the present work, AgNPs were prepared using a simple bio-reduction method. This is ecologically welcoming and cost-effective method. Yellow colored blooms concentrate of Argemone mexicana and Turnera ulmifolia are used as bio reducing agents in the study. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–Vis spectrophotometer and characterization of the nanoparticles was done by FTIR, SEM, XRD and EDX. The Antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles was tested against Staphylococus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes. The phytochemical analysis of the blooms concentrate has shown the existence of saponins, alkaloids, amino acids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. In vitro anti-oxidant action of both A. mexicana and T. ulmifolia AgNPs were studied by DPPH assay and reducing power assay.

Analysis of organic acids of tricarboxylic acid cycle in plants using GC-MS, and system modeling

BackgroundLeaves of 15 plant species were collected from the catchment areas of the river Beas, Punjab, India, and analyzed for organic acids of tricarboxylic acid cycle, viz., citric acid (CA), succinic acid (SA), fumaric acid (FmA), and malic acid (MA).MethodsGas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the content of organic acids in the leaves of plant species. Two microliters of plant sample was injected into the GC-MS, and the concentration of organic acids was quantified using standard curve.ResultsAverage concentrations of these acids in the leaves of plants studied were 4.79, 0.98, 0.54, and 8.36 mg/g dw, respectively. The maximum contents of these acids were found in the leaves of Chenopodium album (CA = 6.42 mg/g dw), Argemone mexicana (SA = 1.27 and FmA = 0.73 mg/g dw), and Rumex dentatus (MA = 18.0 mg/g dw). Factor analysis revealed mainly two underlying factors for organic acids: Factor-1 having maximum loadings on SA and FmA and Factor-2 had maximum loadings on CA and MA. Multiple linear regression analysis of MA on other acids showed that CA and SA have positive regressions, whereas FmA has a negative regression on MA. In artificial neural network analysis, correlation between the target and output values of MA was found to be highly significant. System transfer coefficients were calculated from simulation graphs fitted to the mean values of different organic acids by using difference equations.ConclusionsFrom the present study, it was found that citric acid has a maximum direct effect on the malic acid as compared to succinic and fumaric acids as revealed by path analysis. System modeling revealed that the rate of utilization of malic acid is about 9%. The present study describes a new system simulation technique in which a pathway comprising of linear transformation of biochemical constituents may be characterized in terms of its rate transfer coefficients.

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity of ethanolic extracts on eggs of citrus blackfly

ABSTRACT: The main objectives of this study were to determine the content of secondary metabolites (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins) of Argemone mexicana L., Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. Fistulosa (Martius ex Choisy), Amorimia rigida (A.Juss.) W. R. Anderson, Ricinus communis L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. &amp; L. M. Perry using UV-VIS spectroscopy, and evaluating the bioactivity of the ethanolic extracts on citrus blackfly eggs (Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, 1915). Pera sweet orange leaves infested with citrus blackfly eggs were treated by immersion in 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10%; each replicate consisted of 30 eggs. The experimental design was completely randomized, with seven treatments and four replications. Three immersions of leaves with eggs were performed, and the mortality was evaluated seven days after the procedure. Leaves were placed in Petri dishes and kept in incubators [25±1°C; relative humidity (RH) 60±5% and 12 hours]. S. aromaticum peduncle presented high content of tannins and phenolic compounds, while R. communis leaves showed high content of phenolic compounds. The commercial product Bioneem© caused egg infeasibility greater than 85% at all concentrations. Treatments (10%) that caused the greatest egg mortality were Bioneem© (94.74%), R. communis extract (81.58%), and the extract of S. aromaticum peduncle (80.57%).

Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine Accumulation in Argemone mexicana (L) Cell Suspension Cultures Exposed to Yeast Extract

Alkaloid contents in Argemone mexicana cell line AMMiF were analyzed during a 36-day culture cycle. The benzophenanthridine sanguinarine (SA) represented the main alkaloid. Dihydrosanguinarine (DHSA), a SA biosynthetic precursor and a less toxic benzophenanthridine, was also identified, based on chromatographic properties and further confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Along the culture cycle, SA contents increased simultaneously while DHSA decrease, suggesting their biosynthetic conversion. Upon exposure to yeast extract as an inducer of secondary metabolism, there was an increase in SA content, which was preceded by DHS accumulation. However, after a long exposure (72 h), contents of both SA and DHSA were noticeable elevated, with close to 20% of the total alkaloid produced being recovered from the external medium. These results suggest the operation of a cell mechanism to avoid damage inflicted by the excessive accumulation of SA.

Parametric characterization and statistical optimization of Argemone ochroleuca (Mexican Poppy) methyl esters as a renewable source of energy

ABSTRACTArgemone ochroleuca oil methyl esters (Biodiesel) optimization was carried out using statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA, determining the R2; finally, the results are evaluated by F-test. Reaction temperature and time were most influencing factors, and experimental model appears to be fit. One-step biodiesel synthesis was followed, using alkali (NaOH) catalyzed reaction. The maximum yield of biodiesel (91%) was obtained at 65°C, at reaction time 120 min, and 7:1 methanol to oil ratio.

A Review on Argemone Mexicana

Argemone mexicana Linn belonging to family papaveraceae is widely distributed plant in tropical and sub tropical regions of the world.In India, It is found on road sides, across fields and water bodies. It consists of root, flowers & leaves. It is also called as Mexican Poppy. The present article reviews the morphological, microscopical characters, phyto chemical and pharmacological studies on the plant and determines a scientific base for novel study for future research to establish toxin free response of plant or its phyto constituents.

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF ARGEMONE MEXICANA L (FLOWERS) AGAINST HUMAN LIVER CANCER (HEPG2) CELL LINE

Objective: To explore the anticancer activity of the flowers of Argemone mexicana L. against the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).Methods: In vitro anticancer activity was carried out to screen cytotoxicity effectiveness of the solid obtained from ethyl acetate fraction of A. mexicana L. flower extract at different concentrations against the HepG2 cell line. The MTT (methylthiazolyl diphenyl- tetrazolium bromide) assay for cell viability and markers is expected to confirm the cytotoxicity.Result: Ethyl acetate fraction from the flower extract of A. mexicana L. was tested for its anticancer activity against HepG2 cell lines (liver cancer) at various concentrations by MTT assay. It was confirmed that the IC50 value of this sample was 72±1.7 μg/ml against liver cancer HepG2 cell line.Conclusions: A. mexicana L. is a potential plant with anticancer activity. The isolation of the pure compounds and determination of the structure of individual compounds will be further performed.

REVIEW ON TRADITIONAL ETHNO-VETERINARY MEDICINE AND MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN ETHIOPIA: PRACTICE AND APPLICATION SYSTEM

The objective of the review paper was to highlight indigenous practice to traditional veterinary medicine and medicinal plants used by indigenous people. Traditional medicine has been defined as the sum total of all knowledge and practices whether explicable or not, used in the diagnosis, prevention and elimination of physicals, mental or social imbalances which passes from generation to generation, whether verbally or in writing. The application of traditional medicine to veterinary medicine has been termed as ethnoveterinary medicine. In Ethiopia up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine due to the cultural acceptability of healers and local pharmacopeias, the relatively low cost of traditional medicine and difficult access to modern health facilities. Some of medicinal plants were Monopsis Sellariodes, solanium anguivi Lam, Vigina spp, Nicotiana tabacum L, Argemone Mexicana L, and Platostoma Rotundifolium etc. and they useful for different diseases. Traditional practitioners include bone setters, birth attendants, tooth extractors, (called yetirs awolaki, 'Wogesha' and yelimd awalaj' respectively in Amharic) herbalists, as well as 'debtera', 'tenquay' (witch doctors), and spiritual healers such as 'weqaby' and 'kalicha'. Healing in Ethiopian traditional medicine is not only concerned with curing of diseases but also with the protection and promotion of human physical, spiritual, social, mental and material wellbeing. Drugs were administered using different routes, the main ones being, topical, oral and respiratory and are stored usually in containers such as bottles, papers, pieces of cloth, leaves and horns, and were kept anywhere at home.

Argemone mexicana: A Boon to Medicinal and Pharmacological Approaches in Current Scenario.

Nature is God's gift to human beings. Natural products are a source of new chemical diversity and are the choice of today's world. Nature itself gives remedy to all our health problems. The sources of natural product are plants, animals and microorganisms. Among them plant and its products are more reliable for its renewability and therefore, considered as fortunate thing for human welfare. Our traditional system of medicine which has been followed by our ancestors has its own impact on human life. Due to the inadequate knowledge many plant derived products (drugs) has not yet been explored to the society. We are having many side effects and long term complications in synthetic drugs. Our aim is to mine the precious data about the plant Argemone mexicana. Now-a-days people prefer a drug which has no side effects. For that, the plant Argemone mexicana is a boon to the human being as it has a number of miraculous compounds to cure a various types of diseases. Single plant has a lot of uncountable benefits in drug discovery and which gives a base for new drug discovery. This plant is a weed, easily available and it does not require any special care which forms the base to develop a drug in socio economic form so that it could be made available to all people. This chapter provides an insight into various interesting pharmacological properties viz., Antidiabetic activity , Anti-Cancer activity, Anti-HIV activity, CNS related activities, Wound recovering action, Anti microbial activity, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Anti-fertility activity, Antiallergic activity, Nematicidal activity, Allelopathic effect, Antihelmintic activity, Larvicidal activity, Antifeedant action etc., which has been reviewed from different literatures in scientific journals. This present review would kindle many of the young minds to turn towards the nature i.e., plant based novel drug discovery with in-depth and extensive studies in all relevant aspects. Hence the paramount importance of this review about Argemone mexicana will be very much useful to the society.

HPLC-DAD determination of berberine, chelerythrine and sanguinarine in the mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae), a medicinal plant

A sensitive, simple, rapid and reliable HPLC-DAD method for the analysis of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIA's) content in Argemone mexicana (Papaveraceae) is presented. This method allows the simultaneous separation and quantitation of berberine (Bn), chelerythrine (C) and sanguinarine (S) in extracts from A. mexicana tissues, reducing time of analysis in comparison to previous reports. Alkaloids were separated on a C18 Hypersil Gold column using an acetonitrile gradient (20 to 70%) in 1% acetic acid in water. Alkaloids were identified based on retention times and UV spectra and quantified at 254 nm. Linearity between 0.5-20 µg mL-1 was observed for Bn, C and S, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 0.11 and 0.33 for Bn, 0.10 and 0.30 for C and 0.05 and 0.15 for S, respectively. Maximal intra- and inter-day variation values were < 0.49% in all cases, with alkaloids' recoveries higher than 95%. System suitability tests (SST), including resolution (Rs), retention factor (K'), selectivity (α), tailing factor and number of theoretical plates were performed according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), fulfilling recommended values. The method proved to be efficient and reproducible when analyzing different tissues of field-collected A. mexicana plants.

Pain management of Dental Caries (Krimi Danta) - A Case Report

Dental caries/Tooth decay is progressive destruction of tooth structure, leading to tooth ache. Tooth ache is the most common type of orofacial pain and when severe it is considered a dental emergency. Pain killers will be the first option to get rid of pain but use of these pain killers have many adverse effects and also its over prescription leads to kidney disorders, liver disorders etc. and in Ayurveda for the management of pain in Krimidanta it is mentioned that, Krimighna (anti-microbial), Vatagna (which relieves Vata) and Ushnaveerya Dravyas (drugs with hot potency) are to be used which can relieve the toothache and discolouration. Hence here an attempt was made to find out an alternate medicine which is effective, has no contraindications and with no side effects. Here the patient was treated with Dantapichu (soaked cotton swab) with Katuparni Ksheera (milk of Argemone Mexicana Linn.) as a local application. After the treatment, a significant response in various symptoms such as tooth pain, tingling sensation and swelling was observed.

Ovicidal and toxic effects of certain plant extracts to the castor semilooper, Achaea janata L. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Ovicidal and toxic effects of crude leaf extracts of Clerodendrum inerme, Clerodendrum splendens, Clerodendrum multiflorum, Vitex negundo and Argemone mexicana were evaluated against the castor semilooper, Achaea janata L. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) using different bioassay methods. Among the extracts tested, the highest ovicidal activity was observed in C. splendens as well as A. mexicana with LD50 values of 7.65 and 9.14 mg-1, respectively. Leaf extracts of A. mexicana and C. inerme were toxic to both third and fourth instar larvae of A. janata through topical application. However, the extracts of A. mexicana and C. inerme found to be more toxic to third instar larvae with 70 and 73 per cent mortality, respectively. The lowest LD50 value of 5.33 mg-1 was recorded by A. mexicana extract and was followed by C. inerme extract with LD50 value of 7.26 mg-1. Present results indicated that A. mexicana and C. inerme plants have potential to use in IPM programme.

Study of decolorisation of binary dye mixture by response surface methodology

Decolorisation of a complex mixture of two different classes of textile dyes Direct Red 81 (DR81) and Rhodamine B (RHB), simulating one of the most important condition in real textile effluent was investigated onto deoiled Argemone Mexicana seeds (A. Mexicana). The adsorption behaviour of DR81 and RHB dyes was simultaneously analyzed in the mixture using derivative spectrophotometric method. Central composite design (CCD) was employed for designing the experiments for this complex binary mixture where significance of important parameters and possible interactions were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum adsorption of DR81 and RHB by A. Mexicana was obtained at 53 °C after 63.33 min with 0.1 g of adsorbent and 8 × 10−6 M DR81, 12 × 10−6 M RHB with composite desirability of 0.99. The predicted values for percentage removal of dyes from the mixture were in good agreement with the experimental values with R2 > 96% for both the dyes. CCD superimposed RSM confirmed that presence of different dyes in a solution created a competition for the adsorbent sites and hence interaction of dyes was one of the most important factor to be studied to simulate the real effluent. The adsorbent showed remarkable adsorption capacities for both the dyes in the mixture.