10 Medicinal Constituents Of Papaver Somniferum (Poppy)

This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Papaver somniferum.

1. Morphine

Papaver somniferum morphine is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the opium poppy plant.

It is a powerful opioid analgesic, widely used to treat moderate to severe pain, especially in medical settings.

Morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals, providing relief from acute or chronic pain, including postoperative pain, cancer pain, and neuropathic pain.

2. Codeine

Papaver somniferum codeine is an alkaloid compound extracted from the opium poppy plant.

It is a naturally occurring opioid that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, coughs, and diarrhea. Codeine is often prescribed in combination with other medications or in small doses for short-term relief.

However, it can also be highly addictive and has a high potential for abuse, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

3. Sanguinarine

Papaver somniferum sanguinarine is a natural compound extracted from the latex of opium poppy plants.

It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and folk remedies for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Sanguinarine has also been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity and has been used as a preservative in foods and pharmaceuticals.

Its unique properties make it a valuable compound with potential applications in various industries, from healthcare to cosmetics.

4. Chelerythrine

Papaver somniferum chelerythrine is a bioactive compound derived from the opium poppy plant.

It has been found to have a range of medicinal and pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities.

Additionally, chelerythrine has been shown to possess analgesic and sedative effects, making it a potential natural remedy for various health conditions.

5. Berberine

I'm happy to help!.

However, I must correct you that Berberine is not a part of Papaver somniferum. Papaver somniferum berberine is actually a compound found in the genus Berberis and Mahonia plants, not in papaver.

Berberine has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

6. Cryptopine

Papaver somniferum cryptopine is a lesser-known alkaloid compound found in the opium poppy plant.

It is a precursor molecule that can be converted into codeine and other opiates through chemical reactions.

Cryptopine has been studied for its potential medicinal applications, including pain relief and cough suppression.

7. Sanguilinone

8. Oripavine

Papaver somniferum oripavine is a type of alkaloid found in the opium poppy plant.

It is a minor constituent of opium, accounting for only about 4-6% of its mass. Oripavine has been shown to have analgesic and antispasmodic properties, making it a potential target for pain relief medication development.

Additionally, oripavine has also been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its role in the plant's natural defense mechanisms.

9. Thebaine

Papaver somniferum thebaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the opium poppy plant.

It is a major component of crude opium and is responsible for its analgesic and sedative properties. Thebaine has been used in the production of various opioid medications, including oxycodone and codeine, and has also shown potential as a treatment for pain and respiratory disorders.

Its unique chemical structure makes it an important precursor in the synthesis of other important pharmaceuticals.

10. Retrorsine