Abstract

PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM L.: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON BOTANY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY, TOXICOLOGY AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Vennila V*, Gayathri K, Monisha B, Nithiya S, Darani V, Baranika V, Kowsiya M, Anusuya M

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Abstract

Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy) is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants and remains indispensable in modern pharmacology due to its unique production of benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine. These compounds possess potent analgesic, antitussive, antispasmodic, and antineoplastic properties. At the same time, the species is associated with profound challenges, including narcotic abuse, legal restrictions, and safety concerns. This review consolidates current knowledge on the botany, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, ethnomedicine, genomics, and future prospects of P. somniferum. Emphasis is placed on biosynthetic pathways, pharmacological mechanisms, and regulatory implications. Although clinical evidence remains limited beyond opioid alkaloids, emerging research suggests novel therapeutic potential for non-narcotic constituents. The duality of this plant—as both a life-saving pharmaceutical source and a substance of abuse— necessitates balanced approaches integrating phytochemical research, synthetic biology, regulatory vigilance, and evidence-based clinical trials.

Keywords: Papaver somniferum, opium poppy, morphine, alkaloids, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, review.