Page 46 - phytochemistry II -pharmD general
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Opium alkaloids
• Opium is the air-dried latex (of milky exudate) obtained by the incision
from the unripe capsule of Papaver somniferum (Papaveraceae).
• It contains not less than 10% of morphine and not less than 2% of codeine.
• Raw opium has a characteristic odour and a blackish brown colour. It
consists of masses of various sizes, which tend to be soft, shiny and after
drying, become hard and brittle.
• The exuded latex is dried by spontaneous evaporation or by artificial heat,
and is manipulated to form cakes of uniform composition.
• Variously shaped according to the country of origin and known in commerce
as Turkish, Indian or European opium
• Opium alkaloids usually occur naturally combined with specific acid of opium
called meconic acid
O
OH
HOOC O COOH
Meconic acid is a peculiarity of opium (occurs only in opium), therefore its
detection, even in small amount, is considered as an irrefutable legal evidence that
indicates the presence of opium.
Test for opium = (Test for meconic acid)
To 1.0 gm of powdered opium, add 5 ml water, shake for 5 min. and filter.
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