Papaver somniferum - Opium poppy

Papaver somniferum, generally known as a opium poppy, is a one -year herbaceous plant from the poppy family family (Papaveraceae). This plant is not only known for its striking flowers, but above all because of its meaning as a source for opium and its derivatives such as morphine and heroin. Wall poppies have been used for thousands of years both as a medicinal plant and in ritual and religious contexts. However, its cultivation and use are heavily regulated, since the alkaloids obtained from it are very psychoactive and dependent.

Morphology

Papaver somniferum is an upright growing plant that can reach a height of 30 to 150 centimeters. The stem is bald, bluish green and rarely branches. The plant has alternately arranged, large-scale, deeply cut leaves that have a bluish-green color. The lower leaves are stalked while the upper leaves include the stem.

The flowers of the opium poppy are large and impressive, with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters. They stand individually on long, bald stems. The flower color varies depending on the variety from white to pink to purple and red, with a dark basal stain on the petals. Each flower has four large, silky petals and numerous stamens with violet-black stamens. The heyday ranges from June to August.

After pollination, a spherical to egg -shaped capsule develops from the flower, which serves as a fruit. This capsule is surrounded by a network of small pores through which the tiny, kidney -shaped seeds are sprinkled. A single capsule can contain up to 30,000 seeds that are light and wind -spread.

Distribution and habitat

Papaver somniferum is originally native to the eastern Mediterranean, but is now grown worldwide in moderate and subtropical regions. The plant prefers sunny locations with well -permeable, nutrient -rich soils. In agriculture, sleeping poppies are cultivated both because of its seeds, which are used in the food industry, as well as because of its milk juice, which is used to obtain opium.

The cultivation of Papaver somniferum is strictly regulated or even forbidden in many countries, since the plant is the source for several highly effective and illegal drugs. In some countries, especially in parts of Asia, the opium poppy seed cultivation is still widespread and forms the basis for the local economy.

Composition and medical effect

Papaver somniferum's milk juice, also called Opium, contains a variety of alkaloids, including the best known such as Morphin, Codein, Thebain and Papaverin. These alkaloids have strong pharmacological effects and are used in medicine primarily as pain relievers, coughing stentors and sedatives. Morphine, the main alkaloid of the opium poppy, is one of the most effective known painkillers, but is only used under strict control due to its strongly addictive properties.

In addition to the medical use of opium, the oil from Papaver somniferum's seeds is also valued in the food industry. Opium poppy oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and is used for culinary purposes, especially in the production of baked goods. The seeds themselves are non -toxic and are often used as an ingredient in bread, cake and desserts.

Historical and cultural meaning

Papaver somniferum has a long history of use that goes back to antiquity. The Sumerers called the plant "Hul Gil", which means "plant of happiness", and it was used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome both as medicine and in religious rituals. Opium production and the opium trade had far -reaching social and political effects over the centuries, especially in modern times during the opium wars between China and Great Britain in the 19th century.

The cultural and religious use of opium ranges from use in spiritual ceremonies to everyday use as a pain reliever. The dual nature of Papaver somniferum, both as a healing and as a destructive means, makes it a plant of great cultural and moral importance.

Toxicology and potential for abuse

Although the medical applications of opium alkaloids such as morphine are well documented, the abuse potential of these substances is significant. Opium and its derivatives like heroin have a strong psychoactive effect that can quickly lead to physical and psychological dependency. The abuse of opioids is a global health problem that leads to numerous deaths through overdose.

Due to these risks, the cultivation, processing and the use of Papaver somniferum are strictly controlled. In many countries, the cultivation of sleeping poppies is only allowed under license, and the production of opium is limited to medical and scientific purposes.