Argemone oil

Argemone oil is an oil derived from the seeds of the Argemone mexicana, a plant species native to the Americas but now found worldwide. It is also known as Mexican poppy oil or prickly poppy oil. The oil is often used in traditional medicine, but it is also notorious for its toxic properties when adulterated or misused.

History[edit | edit source]

The Argemone mexicana plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in its native regions in the Americas. The oil derived from its seeds was used by indigenous peoples for a variety of medicinal purposes. However, the oil became infamous in the 19th century when it was used as an adulterant in mustard oil, leading to the outbreak of a disease known as epidemic dropsy.

Production[edit | edit source]

Argemone oil is produced by pressing the seeds of the Argemone mexicana plant. The seeds contain approximately 22-36% oil. The oil is bright yellow and has a distinct, unpleasant smell. It is not typically used for culinary purposes due to its strong flavor and potential toxicity.

Uses[edit | edit source]

In traditional medicine, argemone oil has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, coughs, and asthma. However, these uses are not widely accepted in modern medicine due to a lack of scientific evidence.

Health Risks[edit | edit source]

The misuse or adulteration of argemone oil can lead to serious health risks. The most notable of these is epidemic dropsy, a disease characterized by swelling of the body, particularly the legs, due to heart or kidney dysfunction. This disease was first identified in the 19th century when argemone oil was used as an adulterant in mustard oil.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

Due to the health risks associated with argemone oil, its use and sale are regulated in many countries. In India, for example, the use of argemone oil as an adulterant in edible oils is banned.