Papaver Somniferum - Opiates

Opiates

The opium poppy is the principal source of most naturally occurring μ-opioid receptor agonist opioids. The opium poppy is, by definition, the root source of all opioids considered opiates. Opiates are extracted from opium and poppy straw. Opium (also called “raw opium”) is the latex harvested by making incisions on the green capsules (seed pods) and then dried. Poppy straw is the dried mature plant except the seeds, harvested by mowing.

From opium and poppy straw, alkaloids such as morphine, thebaine, codeine and oripavine are extracted. Morphine is the predominant alkaloid found in the varieties of opium poppy plant cultivated in most producing countries.