Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of argemone mexicana

Abstract

Argemone mexicana beJonging to too family of Papaveraceae has been st1.l.iied in this research work. Tre work was carried out fur evaluatbn of bioJogical activities of methanol, ethyl acetate and n-ooxane crude extracts of this phnt with special emphasis on cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity. In too brine shrimp lethality bioassay, too cytotoxicity exhibited by Jrethanolic extract was promising. On the otoor hand, ethyl acetate and n-hexane demonstrated moderate cytotoxic activity, in comparison to positive control (KMn04). Against the test micro-organisms too mne of inhibition prodoced by methanolic, ethyl acetate and n-ooxane crude extract ofArgemone mexicana was partially active and inactive with different co~ntratiom.