Medicinal value and Drugs obtain from POPPY

Poppy, White

POISON!  

Many people think that poppy is a drug which is poison but here are some medicinal properties and uses of the drug obtained from poppy. 

A poppy is a flowering plant in the subfamily Papaveroideae of the family Papaveraceae. Poppies are herbaceous plants, often grown for their colorful flowers. One species of poppy, Papaver somniferum, is the source of the crude drug opium which contains powerful medicinal alkaloids such as morphine.It is commonly called as HERB OF HEAVEN OR HELL. -The Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum, var. album) is indigenous to Asia Minor, and is cultivated largely in European and Asiatic Turkey, Persia, India and China for the production of Opium. The word opium is derived from the Greek opos which means juice.   

  

Constituents---The most important constituents of opium are the alkaloids, whichconstitute in good opium about one-fifth of the weight of the drug. No fewer than twenty-one have been reported.
The principal alkaloid, both as regards its medicinal importance, and the quantity in which it exists, is Morphine. Next to this, Narcotine and Codeine are of secondary importance. Among the numerous remaining alkaloids, amounting in all to about 1 per cent of the drug, are Thebaine, Narceine, Papaverine, Codamine and Rhoeadine. 


Meconic acid exists to the extent of about 5 per cent combined with morphine. This acid is easily identified, and is important in toxicological investigation, as corroborative of the presence of opium. 

   

-Medicinal Action and Uses-

It is probable that the physicians of the Arabian school introduced the drug into India, as well as into Europe. It was originally used only as a medicine, the practice of opium eating having first arisen, probably in Persia.

 

• Poppy is widely used for medicinal purposes, in the form of poppy-based drugs like morphine, codeine, narcotine, laudenine, papaverine and other alkaloids.
• Poppy-based medicines are considered the most effective way of relieving severe pain.
• It is a stimulant that induces euphoria and helps get rid of anxieties, tensions, fears and inhibitions.
• Poppy seeds contain cough suppressant and analgesic properties and are often recommended to relieve minor pains.
• The plant is used to treat intestinal stomach spasms and respiratory spasms triggered by asthma attacks.

It is used to remedy bladder, bruises, cancer, cold, catarrh, colic, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dysentery, enteritis, fever, flux, headache, hemicrania, hypertension, hypochondria, hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, malaria, mania, melancholy, nausea, neuralgia, otitis, prolapse, rheumatism, snakebites, sprains, swelling, toothaches, tumors, ulcers and warts. 
   

   

• Opium poppy is used to treat cancers of the skin, stomach, tongue, uterus, spleen, breast, ear, nose and vagina.
• It is frequently administered to relieve pain and calm excitement.
• The plant provides two main food ingredients, namely, poppy seed and poppy seed oil.
• The seeds do not contain opium and are extensively used in baking and sprinkling on rolls and bread.
• Poppy seeds are a source of a drying oil that is used for manufacturing paints, varnishes and soaps.
• Its oil cakes serve as a fodder for cattle.
• Vision Health: As we age, our eyes naturally begin to fail us, but there are certain things we can do to stop this process. Antioxidant compounds are one great way to protect our eyes, but so is zinc, found in significant quantities in poppy, which can reduce the occurrence of macular degeneration and keep our vision strong.
• Digestive Help: If you are suffering from constipation or diarrhea, you need fiber in your diet. Poppy seeds have a surprisingly high level of dietary fiber, which can help to bulk up stool or promote peristaltic motion to regulate your bowel movements. Poppy seeds have been directly linked to soothing inflammation and pain, thereby promoting normal functioning in your gut.

Nerve Function: Many people fail to realize the many roles that calcium plays in our body, but when it comes to the functioning of our nervous system, few minerals are more essential. The high levels of calcium found in poppy make it a very impressive nerve tonic and can help prevent nervous disorders and promote healthy function.  

   

   

Caution

A high dose of opium poppy is highly addictive and can decrease respiration. Use of poppy and its seeds is banned/restricted by some countries such as UAE, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia so one should  consult  health specialist before use.

REFERENCE:

1. www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/popwhi64.html

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppy

3. www.iloveindia.com › Indian Herbs

4. www.drugs.com › Professionals › Natural Products (Pro)   

5. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/poppy.html