Question

Argemone oil in mustard oil can cause
A) Cancer
B) Paralysis
C) Blindness
D) Typhoid

Answer 1

Hint: Seeds of Argemone mexicana produce two toxic alkaloids Sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. Their consumption causes capillary dilatation and paralysis in humans. The deliberate or accidental debasement of edible oils causes proteinuria (loss of albumin), edema, and paralysis.

Complete answer:
Let’s first need to know about these diseases.
a. Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells. It is marked by the loss of apoptosis in the cell & starts invading the neighbor cells for space & nutrition. Apoptosis is the phenomenon of natural cell death. Cancer is induced by mutagens. Mutagens are those substances which induce oncogenes to cause mutation. Common mutagens are radioactive radiation, mustard gas, nicotine, etc.
b. The cause includes congenital, chemical, accidental, and an infection like polio. Paralysis is categorized into complete and partial paralysis. Paraplegia is a paralytic condition when it affects the lower half of the body. Quadriplegia is a paralytic condition when it affects both arms and legs.
c. Blindness is a medical condition where a patient cannot see anything including light. It can occur due to diseases like Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular degeneration.
d. Typhoid affects the small intestine. Its symptoms include fever, vomit, and diarrhea. The mode of transmission is contaminated food and water.

> So, the correct answer is option (B) Paralysis

Note: Source of Argemone oil is the seed of Argemone mexicana. It is used as an adulterant mixed with edible oils like sunflower oil, mustard oil to increase the oil quantity. The consumption of adulterated oil can lead to health disorders like Dropsy. Prolonged use causes neural degeneration and paralysis.