OPIUM AND ITS MAJOR ALKALOIDAL CONSTITUENTS: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Poppy (Papaver somniferous L.) is a member of the Papaveraceous family. It is indigenous ofsouth east of Europe and Asia. It is cultivated all over the world and there is not any wild type of this species. It is widely grown as an ornamental flower throughout Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. Until now more than 40 different alkaloids have been known in thisspecies which the most important ones are morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine and noscapine. Alkaloids are affected with genetical characteristics and environmental conditions. Poppy seeds are an important food item and the source of poppy seed oil, healthy edible oilthat has many uses. The most important application of papaver alkaloids is due to their analgesic properties. Use of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) as a medicinal plant hasbeen described in the ancient literature of Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda). Keyword: - Opium, Alkaloids, Morphine, Codeine, Medicinal plants