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Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Coma, constipation, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, fever, loss of consciousness, myalgia, nausea, rapid heart rate, respiratory depression, sedation, seizures, slow breathing, vomiting, weakness.
Duration of Symptoms: Up to 24 hours
Rate of Poison: 15 minutes
Causes Death: Yes
Treatment: Buprenorphine/naloxone, ceftriaxone, IV benzodiazepines, psychological therapy, vancomycin, venlafaxine XR 225 mg
Remember the poppy scene in the Wizard of Oz, when the witch used poppies to slow down Dorthy by putting her to sleep? Ingestion of opium poppies tend to induce relaxation, which results in sedation and drowsiness. While simply breathing opium poppies are not likely to cause such a sedated state, consumption will likely result. Yes, you do consume poppy seeds when you eat a poppy seed bagel, but it is likely that the chemical components in the seeds have been neutralized so you can safely consume your breakfast product without passing out at work. Morphine and codeine are naturally derived from the opium poppy, which are used to make heroin. These components are located within the latex in the raw seed pods of the poppy.
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Main Toxins
Main Toxins
Molecular structure of codeine (PubChem)
Codeine
Codeine
Codeine is a phenanthrene alkaloid and his highly addictive. It is classified as a narcotic alkaloid. Codeine interacts with Δ-opioid receptors, κ-opioid receptors, and µ-opioid receptors. This results in the decrease of the release of neurotransmitters. The activation of the µ-opioid receptors in the brain causes an opioid-induced analgesia. When binding to opioid receptors, codeine will also act on the medulla oblongata to relieve cough by decreasing the amount of secretions from the bronchi in the lungs.
Level of Toxin: 0.3 - 6.0 mg/kg
Impacting Dosage: 15 mg
Morphine
Morphine
Morphine is a phenanthrene alkaloid. Morphine is highly addictive. It is classified as a narcotic alkaloid. H-morphine binds to certain areas of the central nervous system. Upon absorption of morphine, morphine will bind to Δ-opioid receptors, κ-opioid receptors, and µ-opioid receptors, in the brain as an agonist. It inhibits the release of neurotransmitters from the nociceptive neurons to the central nervous system. Morphine inhibits neurotransmitter release through the G-protein coupling Ca2+ channels by acting as an indirect antagonist to nitrogen-type calcium channels. Morphine will also smooth intestine muscles in a direct manner.
Level of Toxin: 3.0 - 23.0 mg/kg
Impacting Dosage: 50 mg
Molecular structure of morphine (PubChem)
Molecular structure of thebaine (PubChem)
Thebaine
Thebaine
Thebaine is a phenanthrene alkaloid that acts as a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system. It is used as a precursor for other opiates like buprenorphine, naloxone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Thebaine inhibits norepinephrine from binding to the synapse. Thebaine and morphine will act in a synergistic manner to relieve pain. It should be noted that thebaine could also cause convulsions.
Level of Toxin: 0.2 - 1.0 mg/kg
Impacting Dosage: Not known
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Magnoflorine*
Magnoflorine*
Magnoflorine has been known to cause lower blood pressure, and could potentially contribute to a decrease in heart rate as well.
However, magnoflorine is used for many claimed medicinal uses, such as reduction of inflammation. It has antioxidant and anxiolytic properties. It also has the ability to protect high-density lipoproteins (HDL) which is a healthier form of cholesterol. It is able to exhibit cytotoxicity against a brain tumour cell line (U251) and a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
In other words: Magnoflorine can lower blood pressure and possibly slow down the heart rate.
However, it can be used for various medical purposes, such as reducing inflammation. It has antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties, protects healthy cholesterol (HDL), and can kill certain cancerous cells, such as those in the brain and the heart.
Noscapine
Noscapine
Noscapine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that is used medicinally as an antitussive (cough relief).
Level of Toxin: 2.0 - 12.0 mg/kg
Impacting Dosage: Not known
Papaverine
Papaverine
Papaverine is a smooth muscle relaxant. It inhibits phosphodiesterase, causing the build-up of cAMP cells. It also inhibits mitochondrial respiration and impacts the movement of calcium ions throughout the system. In one study, it also inhibits the CCh-induced muscle contraction and increases calcium ion concentration. Papaverine will also cause vasodilation of the arteries by acting on the peripheral nervous system, causing blood pressure to drop.
Level of Toxin: 0.5 - 3.0 mg/kg
Impacting Dosage: Not known
6-acetonyldihydrosanguinarine
Cryptopine
Oripavine
Rhoeadine
Aporphines
Dihydrosanguinarine
Oxysanguinarine
Sanguinarine
Benzophenanthridine
Meconic Acid
Porphyroxine
Tetrahydroisoquinoline
Choline
Norsanguinarine
Protopine
Tetrahydro Protoperberine
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Fruit, latex of unripe pods, sap, seeds
Contact Hazard: None known
Animals Affected: All animals.
*Morphine and codeine are used to prepare heroin, a Schedule I illicit drug. Highest concentration of toxins found in seed pods. Washing the seeds will reduce the morphine content.
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Seeds
Properties: Analgesic, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antitumor, antitussive, depressant, narcotic, sedative, stimulant
Components: Codeine, morphine, noscopine, papaverine
Antidote: None
Preparation: Capsules, syrup, tinctures
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Anaesthesia
Colic Hypertension
Constipation: Eat or smoke the poppy seed.
Cough
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Malaria: Eat or smoke the poppy seed.
Pain
Spasms
Location
Location
Asia: Constipation (India and Pakistan), cough, malaria (India and Pakistan)
Ayruveda: Diarrhea, dysentery, pain, spasms.
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Blood Pressure: Papaverine will lower blood pressure.
Cancer: Noscapine used as an anti-cancer
Cough: Codeine, noscopine
Headache
Hypertention: Currently being studied.
Insomnia: Noscapine
Muscle Relaxation: Morphine, papaverine
Pain: Codeine, morphine.
Location
Location
Europe: Tea prepared as a muscle relaxant
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Seeds
Nutrients:
Carbohydrates: Fibers, Fatty Acids
Minerals: Calcium, Copper, Iodine, Manganese, Phosphorus, Zinc
Proteins: Amino acids
Vitamins: Antioxidants, Tocopherols
Taste: Bad
WARNING: Some preparation methods may produce psychoactive effects.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Laudanum: Alcoholic beverage consisting of alcohol, distilled water, and opium from the seeds.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Baked Goods: Flavouring
Beverages
Bread: Poppy seeds on top of bread.
Meat: Poppy seed oil
Oil: Seeds used to make poppyseed oil.
Tea: Poppy seeds are washed to remove opioid coating.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Opium Poppy by jacques Le Moyne de Morgues - Wikimedia Commons
Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Papaver
Other Names: Breadseed Poppy, Common Poppy, "Hens and Chicks" Poppy, Peony Poppy, Poppy, Turkish Poppy
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Bloom Colours: Red, Blue, Purple, Pink, White
Bloom Time: April - June
Type: Annual, Perennial
Height: 2 - 3 ft.
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Habitat: Cultivated beds, garden, olive groves, orchards, rocky hillslopes, wastelands.
Origin: Mediterranean
States: CA, FL, ID, IL, KY, LA, MI, MO, NV, OH, OR, WA, WI
Provinces: N/A
Related Species
Related Species
Papaver alpinum
(Alpine Poppy)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Papaver argemone
(Long Pricklyhead Poppy)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Papaver californicum
(Fire Poppy)
Photo: No author - Wikimedia Commons
Papaver dubium
(Long-Headed Poppy)
Photo: SABENCIA Guillermo César Ruiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Papaver macounii
(Macoun's Poppy)
Photo: Bob Wick - Bureau of Land Management
License: Public Domain
Papaver mcconnellii
(McConnell's Poppy)
Photo: DenaliNPS - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Papaver nudicaule
(Iceland Poppy)
Photo: Dinkum - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Papaver orientale
(Oriental Poppy)
Photo: D. A. Wilkerson
Other Species
Other Species
Papaver alboroseum
Papaver chibinense
Papaver intermedium
Papaver lujaurense
Papaver purpureomarginatum
Papaver ambiguum
Papaver czekanowskii
Papaver labradoricum
Papaver ochotense
Papaver schamurinii
Papaver arenarium
Papaver gorodkovii
Papaver lasiothrix
Papaver pavoninum
Papaver setosum
Papaver belangeri
Papaver guerlekense
Papaver leiocarpum
Papaver popovii
Papaver tolmachevii
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
Bulduk, I., & Taktak, F. (2013). Isolation and characterization of antitumor alkaloid from poppy capsules (papaver somniferum). Journal of Chemistry, 2013. From https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2013/493870/
Ciofalo, F. R. (1972). Effects of some narcotics and antagonists on synaptosomal 3H-norepinephrine uptake. Life Sciences, 11(12), 573-580. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0024320572901920
Davies, M. K., & Hollman, A. (2002). The opium poppy, morphine, and verapamil. Heart, 88(1), 3. From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1767178/
DEA. (2020). Opium. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. From https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Opium-2020.pdf
Furuya, T., Ikuta, A., & Syōno, K. (1972). Alkaloids from callus tissue of Papaver somniferum. Phytochemistry, 11(10), 3041-3044. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0031942272801018
Greenthal, E., Lurie, P., & Doyon, S. (2021). Opioid exposure associated with poppy consumption reported to poison control centers and the US Food and Drug Administration. Clinical toxicology, 59(8), 746-755. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2020.1866766
Haber, I., Pergolizzi, J., & LeQuang, J. A. (2019). Poppy seed tea: a short review and case study. Pain and therapy, 8(1), 151-155. From https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-019-0113-5
Iken, I., Attari, A., Amarti, A., & Achour, S. (2014). P51: Respiratory depression induced by a decoction of Papaver somniferum L. in two infants. Toxicologie analytique et clinique, 26(2), S51. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S235200781470112X
Kaneda, T., Takeuchi, Y., Matsui, H., Shimizu, K., Urakawa, N., & Nakajyo, S. (2005). Inhibitory mechanism of papaverine on carbachol-induced contraction in bovine trachea. Journal of pharmacological sciences, 98(3), 275-282. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1347861319321802
Manicke, N. (2022). Opiate Alkaloids and Semi-synthetic Opiates: FIS 401: Forensic Chemistry I. PowerPoint.
Masihuddin, M., Jafri, M. A., Siddiqui, A., & Chaudhary, S. (2018). Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of papaver somniferum with special reference of unani medicine an updated review. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 8(5-s), 110-114. From http://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/2069
Muhammad, A., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Khan, R. S., Ahmed, Z., & Khalid, N. (2021). Review on physicochemical, medicinal and nutraceutical properties of poppy seeds: a potential functional food ingredient. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 11(10), 522-547. From https://ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/836
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5284371, Codeine. Retrieved October 30, 2022 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Codeine.
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Papaver somniferum. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/papaver-somniferum/
Peechakara, B. V., & Gupta, M. (2018). Codeine. From https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk526029
Stephens, E., Louden, M., & Van De Voort, J. (2012). Opioid toxicity. Medscape.
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 121-123)
Webster, L. R. (2015). The relationship between the mechanisms of action and safety profiles of intrathecal morphine and ziconotide: A review of the literature. Pain Medicine, 16(7), 1265-1277. From https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/16/7/1265/1916704
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
Bulduk, I., & Taktak, F. (2013). Isolation and characterization of antitumor alkaloid from poppy capsules (papaver somniferum). Journal of Chemistry, 2013. From https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2013/493870/
Manicke, N. (2022). Opiate Alkaloids and Semi-synthetic Opiates: FIS 401: Forensic Chemistry I. PowerPoint.
Masihuddin, M., Jafri, M. A., Siddiqui, A., & Chaudhary, S. (2018). Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of papaver somniferum with special reference of unani medicine an updated review. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 8(5-s), 110-114. From http://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/2069
Muhammad, A., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Khan, R. S., Ahmed, Z., & Khalid, N. (2021). Review on physicochemical, medicinal and nutraceutical properties of poppy seeds: a potential functional food ingredient. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 11(10), 522-547. From https://ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/836
Peechakara, B. V., & Gupta, M. (2018). Codeine. From https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk526029
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 121-123)
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Abudak, M., & Kara, H. H. (2017). Fatty acid composition and some bioactive properties of edible oil extracted from different varieties of poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) seeds. Riv. Ital. Sostanze Grasse, 94, 19-25. From https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/5207609
Haber, I., Pergolizzi, J., & LeQuang, J. A. (2019). Poppy seed tea: a short review and case study. Pain and therapy, 8(1), 151-155. From https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-019-0113-5
Muhammad, A., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Khan, R. S., Ahmed, Z., & Khalid, N. (2021). Review on physicochemical, medicinal and nutraceutical properties of poppy seeds: a potential functional food ingredient. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 11(10), 522-547. From https://ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/836
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Papaver somniferum. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/papaver-somniferum/
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 121-123)
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
DEA. (2020). Opium. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. From https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Opium-2020.pdf
Muhammad, A., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Khan, R. S., Ahmed, Z., & Khalid, N. (2021). Review on physicochemical, medicinal and nutraceutical properties of poppy seeds: a potential functional food ingredient. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 11(10), 522-547. From https://ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/836
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Papaver somniferum. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. From https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/papaver-somniferum/
Ross, H. (2021). How to Plant, Grow and Care for Poppy Flowers. HGTV. From https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/flowers/poppy-flower
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 121-123)
Wasicek, L. (2009) Papaver Somniferum. BioWeb. From http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/wasicek_lind/Habitat.htm
Date of page creation: November 7, 2022
Updated: March 12, 2023
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