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Canada forbids possessing, seeking or obtaining the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), its preparations, derivatives, alkaloids and salts, although an exception is made for poppy seed. [ 53 ] In some parts of Australia, P. somniferum is illegal to cultivate, but in Tasmania , some 50% of the world supply is cultivated.
Opium (or poppy tears, scientific name: Lachryma papaveris) is dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. [4] Approximately 12 percent of opium is made up of the analgesic alkaloid morphine, which is processed chemically to produce heroin and other synthetic opioids for medicinal use and for the illegal drug trade.
Laudanum is known as a "whole opium" preparation since it historically contained all the alkaloids found in the opium poppy, which are extracted from the dried latex of ripe seed pods (Papaver somniferum L., succus siccus).
The alkaloid profiles of poppy straw and opium are similar, but preliminary research suggests they can be distinguished by relative quantities of alkaloids. [21] Based on the presence of the alkaloid oripavine in some opium poppies, it has been suggested that illegal heroin seized in Australia was produced from a legal poppy straw crop stolen ...
The first individual alkaloid, morphine, was isolated in 1804 from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). [1] Alkaloids are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral [2] and even weakly acidic properties. [3]
One species of poppy, Papaver somniferum, is the source of the narcotic drug mixture opium, which contains powerful medicinal alkaloids such as morphine and has been used since ancient times as an analgesic and narcotic medicinal and recreational drug.
An opiate is an alkaloid substance derived from opium (or poppy straw). [1] It differs from the similar term opioid in that the latter is used to designate all substances, both natural and synthetic, that bind to opioid receptors in the brain (including antagonists). [ 2 ]
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids are found in several plant families, including the poppy family (Papaveraceae), the annonaceae family, and the laurel family. [1] Well-known representatives are primarily found in poppy plants, specifically those from which opium is derived, as well as in actaea. [2]