Argemone mexicana

Abstract

Objective : Objective of the study was to elicit the pharmacodynamic response of the drug, Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy) on healthy human volunteers, in non-toxic doses. Methodology : The drug was proved through a double-blind placebo controlled technique and is a multi-centric study. Trial drug was proved in three potencies (200C, 30C and 6C) on 38 volunteers who were selected and declared apparently healthy during their pre-trial examination by specialists. The volunteers took the three potencies (56 dozes of each potency ) in three stages for a varying period. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted by the provers and elaborated and cross examined by the Proving Masters. The data obtained from different centers were compiled at proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations : Out of the 25 provers who were on actual drug trial, 18 manifested symptoms. Drug was able to produce symptoms in each potency more or less on every part of the body. Only a few symptoms appeared in more than one prover. Some of the symptoms mentioned in different literatures after fragmentary provings have been reproved. Conclusion : Symptoms appeared (new and reproved) during the proving trial will add to the literature available on the drug and benefit the research scholars and clinicians. This also needs verification through clinical application in different settings.