Ethnopharmacological Studies of Argemone Mexicana for the Management of Psoriasis Followed By Molecular Techniques: Focus on Plant Metabolomics & Mechanism of Action

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition which results in the body attacking itself. It occurs in the age group of 14 to ≥ 65 years. The average age is 28 years. More than 10 million cases per year in India are being recorded. Around 15% of cases emerge before the age of 10 years. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. Around 80% of people have mild psoriasis, and the other 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis. There are different types of psoriasis they are Plaque psoriasis occurs in about 80-90% of people, it appears as raised, inflamed, red lesions, covered by a silvery, white scales, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Inverse psoriasis appears in the different parts like armpits, the groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds such as the buttocks and around the genitals. Argemone Mexicana (Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly poppy, flowering thistle, cardo or cardosanto) is a species of poppy found in Mexico and now widely naturalized in many parts of the world. An extremely hardy pioneer plant as it is tolerant of drought and poor soil, often being the only cover on new road cuttings or verges. The flower has bright yellow latex, and though poisonous to grazing animals and is rarely eaten, but has been used medicinally by many people including those in its native area, the Natives of the western US, parts of Mexico and in Whole part of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, etc.