Pharmacological Properties of Papaver rhoaes L.

Abstract

The focus on herbal products for medicinal proposes has increased during the past decade. Papaver rhoaes L. (PR), commonly known as corn poppy, belongs to the Papaveracea family is used in southwestern Asia for some medicinal proposes. Modern pharmacology revealed that its extract contains several alkaloids such as rhoeadine, rhoeadic acid, papaveric acid, rhoeagenine, and anthocyanins. Studies in animal models have shown that PR extract can reduce morphine-induced place preference, sensitization, locomotor activity, and locomotor and pain tolerance. Furthermore, it has been shown that the extract also reduces stress-induced alterations in plasma corticosterone levels and induces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. None clinical trial study finds for this plant. In conclusion, despite of lack in clinical trial studies, the existing evidence suggests that the PR extract possess medicinal properties and may be used as a therapeutic for drug addiction and pain and stress management.