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herb
Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Papaver somniferum

synonyms: Opium poppy, poppy

part(s) used: latex exuded from unripe capsule

qualities:

affinities: nervous system, intestines

actions:

dosage:

» powder: 0.065 g (Felter and Scudder)

» tincture: 1/10 strength: 0.3 - 0.6 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 4

constituents: alkaloids: morphine, with codeine, thebaine, papaverine

• the alkaloid papaverine may cause a loss of free calcium ions; also associated with teratogenicity (Keeler and Tu, p. 179)

• pruritic side effects are noted, including edema and erythema of the skin, eczema, and formation of vesicular eruptions; mucous membranes remain dry (von Oettingen, pp. 464-465)

• Exhibits analgesic effects with respiratory depression, strong sedation, and miosis. Overdose proceeds to diaphoresis (especially of the forehead), emesis, shallow respirations, pulmonary edema and diarrhea. Headache, vertigo, excitement, muscular twitching and tremors, inhibition of gastrointestinal and uterine motility may also occur. Trismus and convulsions are seen especially in children; during the later stages, the pulse weakens, the patient becomes constipated, anorexic, and feels weak and immobile. Hallucinogenesis follows, with somnolence, then stupor, coma and/or death (Dreisbach, pp. 324-328; von Oettingen, pp. 464-465)

• Physical examination: skin pale or cyanotic, cold and clammy. The pupils at first become mitotic, followed by dilation and non-reactivity due to anoxia (especially during the stupor). Respirations become slow, intermittent and stridulent. Death is from respiratory depression (Levy and Primack, pp. 41-42; von Oettingen, pp. 464-465)

laboratory test results: alkaline urine from renal impairment

general reference: Glasby; Goodman and Gilman; U.S. Dispensatory

footnotes

Dreisbach, R.H. 1980. Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment, 10 ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Lange Medical Publications.

Felter, H.W. & Scudder, John K., 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati, Ohio. Reprinted in 1985 by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, OR.

Glasby, J.S. 1975. Encyclopedia of Alkaloids. New York: Plenum Press.

Goodman, L.S., and Gilman, A. 1980. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 6th ed. New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, Inc.

Keeler, R.F., and Tu, A.T. 1983. Handbook of Natural Toxins. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Levy, C.K.; and Primack, R.B. 1984. A Field Guide to Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America. The Stephen Green Press.

Osol, A, Farrar, G.E., Wood, Jr., H.C. 1955. The Dispensatory of the United States of America. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Company.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.