Page 146 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Dried Latex
Opium

• Latex is an oil in water emulsion.
• The aqueous phase composed of mineral salts, proteins, sugars and

alkaloids.
• The oily phase composed of oils, resins,…

Collection and preparation: Air-dried latex obtained by incision from

the unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum L.
• It contains not less than 10.0 per cent of morphine and not less than 2.0
per cent of codeine.
• It has a characteristic odor and a blackish-brown color.
• Incision are made when the capsules are green using special knives.(in
the afternoon)
• Incision SHOULD NOT penetrate the interior of the capsules (the
endocarp).
• Exuded milky latex rapidly coagulates and turn brown.
• In next early morning, Latex is scrapped, dried and manipulated to
various shapes and placed in cotton bags.

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