Pharmacological Benefits of Papaver somniferum L.: Nutritional and Medicinal Aspects of Opium Poppy

Abstract

Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy) is one of the oldest medicinal plants with a history of use in traditional medicine as well as extensive commercial value as a rich source of alkaloids. Different parts of the plant possess potent pharmacological properties and nutritional value as well. Experimental studies and clinical trials have provided evidence that extracts of opium poppy are used in the treatment of several diseases. Further, using GC-MS-based tools, several bioactive constituents have been identified that are of immense phytochemical importance and nutritional value. Several experimental and clinical studies have reported its beneficial role as a vasodilator, anti-bacterial, antipyretic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, and anti-anemic agent. With the use of modern technology and research advancement, the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids has emerged as a new paradigm to decipher the alkaloid biosynthesis pathway. However, future investigations are still required to maximize the commercial use of opium poppy in the form of innovative drugs.