The effects of Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy) on health, its controversies and consensus evidence

Abstract

After cannabis, opiates are the world’s second most widely abused illegal drug. Opium is the latex of unripe pods of Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy). Opium has been used traditionally for lowering blood lipids, and postpone cardiac diseases, as well as used for the treatment of diabetes and cancer. In eastern countries, the high prevalence of opium use could be attributed to high supply and conventional assumptions. Although, opium consumption reduced the levels of lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in patients, while it also reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. Opium consumption increased inflammatory lung disease and risk of lung cancer as well as increased free radicals by activating lipid peroxidation.

Keywords:

• Papaver somniferum
• opium
• toxicity
• risk factor
• poppy plant
• drug abuse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).