Oilseed poppy
StarPapaver somniferum
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Documented Native American uses include:
Cherokee — the plant was used as an analgesic, an anticonvulsive, a sedative, and a stimulant (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a glaucous annual herb in the family Papaveraceae growing to about 1 m tall. The whole plant is greyish-green with a waxy bloom, and exudes a thick white latex when any part is wounded. Large lobed, coarsely toothed leaves clasp the upper stem, while the showy solitary flowers, 8–18 cm across, have four crinkled petals coloured red, mauve, pink or white, often with a dark blotch at the base, surrounding a boss of dark stamens. The fruit is a smooth, rounded capsule crowned by a flat disc of 12–18 radiating stigmatic rays, releasing through pores numerous small kidney-shaped seeds whose colour ranges from cream to slate-blue. Native to the western Mediterranean region, the species has been cultivated since antiquity for its seeds, seed oil and the dried latex (opium) drawn from the unripe capsule, and is now naturalised through much of the world’s temperate zone. It is the botanical source of morphine, codeine and related alkaloids.
Active Constituents
Morphine
Morphinan (phenanthrene) benzylisoquinoline-derived alkaloidConcentration: Approximately 4-21% of dried opium latex (commonly 10-16%); negligible in mature seeds
The principal narcotic alkaloid of opium. A potent agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, morphine produces analgesia, sedation, euphoria, respiratory depression, constipation and physical dependence. It is the pharmacological basis of the plant's use as an analgesic and its liability for abuse.
Codeine
Morphinan alkaloid (3-methylmorphine)Concentration: Approximately 0.7-3% of opium latex
A milder mu-opioid agonist and prodrug; roughly 10% is O-demethylated by CYP2D6 to morphine, which mediates most of its analgesic effect. Widely used as an antitussive and moderate analgesic. Efficacy varies markedly with CYP2D6 genotype.
Thebaine
Morphinan alkaloidConcentration: Approximately 0.2-1% of opium latex
A minor, convulsant (rather than narcotic) alkaloid of little direct therapeutic value, but an important industrial precursor for semi-synthetic opioids and antagonists such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, buprenorphine, naloxone and naltrexone.
Papaverine
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloidConcentration: Approximately 0.5-1.3% of opium latex
A non-narcotic smooth-muscle relaxant and vasodilator acting largely through phosphodiesterase inhibition and calcium-channel effects. Used clinically for vasospasm and erectile dysfunction; does not act on opioid receptors.
Noscapine (narcotine)
Phthalideisoquinoline alkaloidConcentration: Approximately 4-8% of opium latex
A non-addictive cough suppressant with no opioid activity. Interest has grown in its antimitotic (tubulin-binding) properties and potential anticancer applications.
Sanguinarine
Benzophenanthridine alkaloidConcentration: Trace amounts in latex and vegetative tissue
A quaternary alkaloid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro; potentially cytotoxic and irritant at higher exposure.
Poppy-seed fixed oil (linoleic/oleic acid triglycerides)
Polyunsaturated fatty-acid glyceridesConcentration: Roughly 40-55% of the seed by weight
The bland, edible oil pressed from the essentially alkaloid-free seeds. Rich in linoleic acid, it is used as a culinary and drying oil (and historically as the iodised radiographic contrast agent Lipiodol); it carries no narcotic activity.
⚠ Drug Interactions
CNS depressants, benzodiazepines and alcohol
The morphine and codeine content of opium adds to the central depressant effects of other sedatives, producing profound sedation and respiratory depression through combined mu-opioid and GABAergic/CNS suppression.
Clinical note: Concurrent use of opium preparations with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, other opioids or alcohol markedly increases the risk of coma and fatal respiratory depression.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Opioids combined with MAOIs can precipitate serotonin syndrome or unpredictable hyper- or hypotensive and CNS reactions; the risk is classically described for pethidine but caution extends to opium alkaloids.
Clinical note: Avoid opium preparations within 14 days of an MAOI.
CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, bupropion)
Codeine requires CYP2D6-mediated conversion to morphine for analgesia. Inhibitors block this activation, reducing pain relief and potentially provoking withdrawal in codeine-dependent users.
Clinical note: Analgesic failure of the codeine fraction is likely when a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor is co-administered.
Serotonergic agents (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans)
Some opioid constituents have weak serotonergic activity that can add to that of antidepressants, raising the theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome.
Clinical note: Monitor for agitation, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability with combined use.
Preparation Methods
Raw opium (dried latex)
Parts: unripe seed capsule (latex)
Traditionally the immature capsules are scored and the exuded latex is scraped off and air-dried to yield opium. WARNING: opium and morphine are internationally controlled narcotics; cultivation of Papaver somniferum for latex or drug production is illegal in most jurisdictions and preparation for internal use is dangerous, carrying serious risks of overdose, respiratory depression and dependence. This description is historical/informational only.
Opium tincture / laudanum (hydro-alcoholic extract)
Parts: dried latex (opium)
A standardised alcoholic tincture historically dosed by the drop for pain, cough and diarrhoea. WARNING: a Schedule/controlled prescription-only preparation with a narrow safety margin; not to be compounded or self-administered.
Culinary poppy seed and seed oil
Parts: ripe seeds
The mature, essentially alkaloid-free seeds are used whole in baking and pressed for edible oil. Note that surface contamination with latex can leave trace morphine/codeine sufficient to cause positive opiate drug-screen results.
Clinical Studies
Therapy of the neonatal abstinence syndrome with tincture of opium or morphine drops
In neonates with opioid-withdrawal syndrome, tincture of opium (a Papaver somniferum latex preparation) was compared with dilute morphine solution. Both effectively controlled withdrawal, but morphine achieved control with shorter treatment duration and avoided the alcohol and mixed-alkaloid load of the opium tincture, supporting a purified opioid over the crude plant extract in this setting.
Historical Texts
Sumerian clay tablets (references to 'Hul Gil', the plant of joy)
c. 3400-3000 BCEEbers Papyrus (Ancient Egypt)
c. 1550 BCEDioscorides, De Materia Medica
1st century CEThomas Sydenham's laudanum formula
1676 CEReferences
- Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, et al.. Papaver Plants: Current Insights on Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition Along with Biotechnological Applications . Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2022) [DOI]
- Ebner N, Rohrmeister K, Winklbaur B, et al.. Therapy of the neonatal abstinence syndrome with tincture of opium or morphine drops . Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2005) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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