Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum L. Latex

Pharmacognostic Features:

Botanical origin: Papaver somniferum L. Family: PapaveraceaeEnglish Name: OpiumUrdu Name: AfewenLocal Name: Opium poppy, MawseedPart Used: Capsules, Flowers, Seeds,

Latex.Chemical Class: Alkaloids

Chemical Constituents:Major chemical constituents are:• Most important chemical constituents are alkaloids (1/5th of

total weight of drug)• Principle Alkaloid is Morphine (8-17%)Others are :• Narcotine/Noscapine(1-10%), • Codeine (0.7-5%), • Papaverine(0.5-1.5%), • Thebaine (0.1-2.5%)• Mecoic acid exist in combination with Morphine• Mucilage• Sugar• Salts of Calcium and Magnesium• wax

HeroinIt is the derivative of Morphine and is more

potent than morphineMorphine can cross the blood brain barrier

but due to its conjugation it becomes lipid insoluble.

Whereas heroin is lipid soluble and crosses the blood brain barrier easily and act on the limbic system of brain.

The limbic system that is associated with emotions is stimulated and dreamlike sensations (euphoria) are produced.

Uses:Used to relieve painAs antitussive (to treat cough)It is used to treat intestinal stomach spasms

and respiratory spasms triggered by asthma attacks

Used as Hypnotic, sedative, Astringent, Antispasmodic.

Treat diarrhea and abdominal crampingRelax involuntary musclesPoppy seed oil is used as vehicle for

parentrals

Poppy seeds relieve constipation as the contain a lot of dietary fiber

They relieve mouth ulcersPoppy seeds help to lower the cholesterol

levels, maintain bone health, combat skin infections.

Mechanism of ActionsMorphine: Morphine binds to opioid receptors

present on surface of nerve cells and sets off chain of reactions inside the cell and causes cell membrane to be less excitable. This means that the nerve impulses are not generated as the nerve cell becomes sluggish.

It can also dull pain by silencing nerves in spine that carry pain signals.

Also effects in pain processing areas of brain. Therefore morphine causes analgesia,

drowsiness,euphoria, respiratory depression,nausea, depressed cough reflex.

Distinct effects on GIT include decreased motility and secretion, Increased resting tone and spasm, increased anal sphincter tone, all of which combine to produce constipation

Causes increase in tone of urinary bladder wall thus increasing urinary retention

CodeineCodeine and its derivatives are used as antitussivesIt is also used as decongestants and help relieve stuffy

nose.It is less potent than morphineIt also acts as analgesic to relieve mild to moderate pain.

Although codeine has very low affinity for opioid receptors, about 10% of it is converted into morphine and the resulting analgesic effect is due to this conversion.

It suppresses cough by reducing the activity of cough center in brain

Hydrocodone is more effective antitussive than Codeine.

PapaverineIt is direct smooth muscle relaxant

independent of muscle innervations.The musculature of the large blood vessels

including coronary, systemic and pulmonary arteries.

The resulting vasodilation has been potentially attributed inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphidiesterases.

This causes increase in intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP by decreases in Calcium ions.

ThebaineIt is not used medicinallyBut it is important as substrate in semi-

synthesis of other compoundsThe plant Papaver bracteatum contains

principally Thebaine (3%) with traces of morphine and codeine.

NarcotineIt is devoid of analgesic activity and is having

antitussive activity equal to codeineIt also exhibits bronchodilating actions but

large doses may stimulate the release of histamine that causes bronchoconstriction.

Dosage

Adults= 0.6mL (4 times a day)Children= Not recommended

Over DoseOver Dose may lead to nausea, vomiting, thirst,

cold skin, anxiety, blurred vision, hallucinations, depression, lethargy, seizures , respiratory and circulatory spasms, coma and death

A lethal dose can be as low as 300mgContinual usage may lead to physical and

psychological addictionOpium produces soothing blissful and dream like

effectsEffects may last upto 8 hours at almost constant

strength.

Management of Over DoseOpium is not very quickly absorbed.When a poisonous dose has been swallowed

the stomach should be emptied as soon as possible.

Administration of Nitrites and of small doses of Atropine hypodermically maintain cardiac action.(atropine must be used catiously as it enhances the paralysis of heart and spinal cord).

Lethal tendency is combated by strychinine.Coma is prevented by giving stimulants.

Contraindications and PrecautionsDo not take Opium if patient is having:Asthma, Emphysema, Abnormal heart rhythm,

Liver problems, Kidney diseases, Seizures, Underactive Thyroid Abnormally Low B.P

• Opium will add to effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert) such as antihistamines, sedatives, barbiturates, medicines used for allergies etc.

Drug InteractionsSome drugs that interact with codeine

include anticholinergic drugs, antihistamine drugs certain inhaled anesthetics narcotic antagonist, methyldopa, reserpine.

Side EffectsConstipationNauseaVomitingSedationShrinking of pupil

Some side effects do not need any medical attention .As your body gets used to medicine these side effects disappear

Opium is habit forming. If you feel that medicine is not working , do not use more than prescribed dose.

Referenceswww.thehealthsite.comdrugs.forum.comwww.ch.ic.ac.ukOpium.comwww.medicinenet.comwww.webmd.comBioweb.uwlax.eduwww.sciencedirect.comwww.coughjournal.comwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov