Papaver somniferum
Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy, is a highly significant medicinal plant prized for its potent alkaloids. Renowned for producing morphine and codeine, it serves as a cornerstone in modern pharmacology for pain management. While medically invaluable, its cultivation requires strict regulation due to its profound psychoactive properties.
- Scientific name: Papaver somniferum
- Family: Papaveraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Papaveraceae. Ultimately, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Papaver.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Papaveraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Papaver | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Papaver somniferum, exhibits a specific presence across several regions in Northern Europe. Its geographical distribution includes the coastal landscapes of Denmark and the northern terrains of Finland. Furthermore, it can be found growing within the territories of Great Britain. The species also extends its range to the island of Iceland. Finally, its distribution reaches the lush environments of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Papaver somniferum has 117 reported phytochemicals identified across 247 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include morphine, codeine, thebaine, sanguinarine, noscapine.
- Total chemicals
- 117
- Scientific sources
- 247
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| morphine | 51 | ★★★★★ |
| codeine | 31 | ★★★★★ |
| thebaine | 22 | ★★★★★ |
| sanguinarine | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| noscapine | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| papaverine | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| reticuline | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| dopamine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| salutaridine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| L-dopa | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Papaver somniferum has 13 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Sedative, Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| Sedative | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Appetite-Suppressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hallucinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypnotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Papaver somniferum has 28 reported medicinal uses identified across 38 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include pain, analgesic, cough, morphine, AIDS.
- Total uses
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 38
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pain | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| analgesic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cough | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| morphine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AIDS | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Occupational asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |