Pharmaceuticals Papaver somniferum

Like morphine, codeine is extracted from natural opium, obtained from the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). Only when it was first discovered and tested was codeine purified directly from opium (see Chapter 1). Today pharmaceutical-grade codeine is synthesized from morphine through the relatively simple chemical modification process of methylation, whereby CHj replaces a hydrogen atom on the morphine molecule. The chemical substitution reaction that takes place (H for CHj) does so at a specific location on the morphine molecule (Figure 3.1) if the substitution were to occur elsewhere on... 

Papaverine Papaverine, molecular formula C20H21NO4, is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from poppy seeds Papaver somniferum, family Papaveraceae). This alkaloid is used mainly in the treatment of spasms and of erectile dysfunction. It is also used as a cerebral and coronary vasodilator. Papaverine may be used as a smooth muscle relaxant in microsurgery. In pharmaceutical preparations, papaverine is used in its salt form, e.g. hydrochloride, codecarboxylate, adenylate and teprosylate. The usual side-effects of papaverine treatment include polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, constipation, increased transaminase levels, hyperbihr-unemia and vertigo. 

Elicitors are microorganisms or chemicals that help the bacteria to produce the target product. For example, the production of the important pharmaceuticals morphine and codeine by Papaver somniferum was increased 18-fold by the addition of Verticillium dahliae. 

Synonyms Maw oil Oleum papaveris Definition Fixed oil derived from ripe seeds of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum Uses Mfg. of soaps, paints, varnishes olive oil substitute in pharmaceuticals prep, of iodized oil fluid injection drying oil in food-contact coatings... 

Synonyms Papaver somniferum Poppy seed Definition Papaver somniferum Uses Natural flavoring agent in foods and pharmaceuticals... 

Many alkaloids have pronounced biological properties, and a substantial number of the pharmaceutical agents used today are derived from naturally occurring amines. As a few examples, morphine, an analgesic agent, is obtained from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. Cocaine, both an anesthetic and a central nervous system stimulant, is obtained from the coca bush Erythroxylon coca, endemic to upland rain forest areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil. Reserpine, an antianxiety agent and antihypertensive, comes from powdered roots of the semitropical plant Rauwolfia serpentina. Ephedrine, a bronchodilator and decongestant, is obtained from the Chinese plant Ephedra sinica. 

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