Papaver somniferum L.

Abstract

Papaver somniferum L., opium poppy, (Papaveraceae) has been used for several purposes since ancient times. P. somniferum L. is an annual herb that bears alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, noscapine, papaverine, etc., especially in its capsule. Thanks to these bioactive compounds, it has several therapeutic effects. Because of that, it has also been used against several illnesses for centuries. Until today, countless studies have been carried on P. somniferum L. and its bioactivities. These studies are focused on the isolation of bioactive alkaloids and synthesizing their various semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives. Along with identification and bioactivity tests of alkaloids of opium poppy, their clinical behaviors were also examined by researchers from the whole world. Today, opium poppy, especially its alkaloids, became an indispensable part of medicine. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.