Papaver somniferum

Related Terms

Acetylcodeine, acetylmorphine, adormidera, aluminum, alpha-tocopherol, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, breadseed poppy, brown mixture (BM), calcium, Californian poppy, campesterol, caproic acid, codeine, codeine-6-glucuronide, copper, cyclolaudenol, delta-5-avenasterol, diglyceride, dormideira, elixir paregorico (Brazil), Ethiodol?, fatty acids, fiber, gamma-tocopherol, garden poppy, hanka, heroin, hexanal, hexanol, iodized poppy seed oil, iron, kompot, linoleic acid, Lipiodol?, magnesium, morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, morphine-6-glucuronide, narcotine (noscapine), oleic acid, Oleum papaveris Seminis, opioid, opium, palmitic acid, Papaveraceae (family), Papaver somniferum, papaverine, pentanol, pentylfuran, phytic acid, Polish heroine, poppy head, poppy seed, poppy seed tea (PST), poppy straw, protein, reticuline, sanguinarine, sitosterol, sterols, stigmasterol, tetrahydropapaveroline, thebaine, triglycerides, white poppy seed, zinc.
Note: Although some reference to other parts of the Papaver somniferum plant is made in this monograph, the main focus is on the poppy seed. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and opium poppy are two very different species; the former is not covered in this monograph.

Background

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is grown for opium, opiates, or poppy seeds, which are used in cooking and baking throughout the world. Morphine, a strong pain killer, is the major alkaloid of the opium poppy. Opium and the drugs derived from opium are addictive and may cause sedation or slowed breathing.
All parts of the poppy plant contain morphine and codeine; poppy seeds contain morphine in different amounts and eating foods with poppy seeds may result in false positives for opiates in a drug test. Poppy seed cake, bagels, muffins, and rolls have not been shown to contain enough poppy seed to produce a false positive.
Poppy seed itself is not used for any medical condition. Poppy seeds and poppy seed oil have been used in diagnostic procedures and as a carrier and contrast medium.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol?) has been used to improve the detection of tumors with standard methods in patients with cancer of the liver. It has also been used as an adjunct to therapy. The effect of poppy seed oil alone is not clear from available studies. Additional studies are warranted before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol?) has been used to improve the detection of tumors with standard methods in patients with cancer of the liver. It has also been used as an adjunct to therapy. The effect of poppy seed oil alone is not clear from available studies. Additional studies are warranted before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that Lipiodol? (iodized poppy seed oil) does not benefit cognitive or motor function in iodine-deficient children; however, urinary iodine levels improved. The effect of poppy seed oil alone cannot be determined from these studies. Additional research is warranted before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that Lipiodol? (iodized poppy seed oil) does not benefit cognitive or motor function in iodine-deficient children; however, urinary iodine levels improved. The effect of poppy seed oil alone cannot be determined from these studies. Additional research is warranted before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Poppy seeds and poppy seed oil have been used in diagnostic procedures and as a contrast medium. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


Poppy seeds and poppy seed oil have been used in diagnostic procedures and as a contrast medium. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


Lipiodol? (iodized poppy seed oil) has been evaluated as a source of iodine in deficient individuals, particularly children. Positive results have been noted and maintained for at least one year. The effect of poppy seed oil alone has not been determined.

 C


Lipiodol? (iodized poppy seed oil) has been evaluated as a source of iodine in deficient individuals, particularly children. Positive results have been noted and maintained for at least one year. The effect of poppy seed oil alone has not been determined.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for poppy seed or poppy seed oil.
Ethiodol? or Lipiodol? (iodized poppy seed oil or ethiodized oil; Savage Laboratories) is an FDA-approved injectable agent used for medical diagnostics.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Poppy seed may interact with central nervous system depressants, pain relievers, anti-anxiety drugs, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, and opiates.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Bhattacharya, S., Novell, J. R., Winslet, M. C., and Hobbs, K. E. Iodized oil in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Br.J Surg. 1994;81(11):1563-1571.
Hamuro, M., Nakamura, K., Sakai, Y., Kobashi, S., Iuchi, T., Nanata, M., Nishida, N., Kaminou, T., Matsuoka, T., Takashima, S., and Yamada, R. [Development of non-iodized oily agent in targeting chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma]. Nippon Igaku Hoshasen Gakkai Zasshi 1998;58(11):581-583.
Higashi, S. and Setoguchi, T. Hepatic arterial injection chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with epirubicin aqueous solution as numerous vesicles in iodinated poppy-seed oil microdroplets: clinical application of water-in-oil-in-water emulsion prepared using a membrane emulsification technique. Adv.Drug Deliv.Rev. 12-6-2000;45(1):57-64.
Huda SN, Grantham-McGregor SM, Tomkins A. Cognitive and motor functions of iodine-deficient but euthyroid children in Bangladesh do not benefit from iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol). J Nutr 2001;131(1):72-7.
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Rasmussen F, Lindequist S, Larsen C, Justesen P. Therapeutic effect of hysterosalpingography: oil- versus water-soluble contrast media--a randomized prospective study. Radiology 1991;179(1):75-8.
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