Page 121 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203
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Opium
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.
Organoleptic character:
Color: Blackish Brown
Odor: Strong characteristic
Taste: Bitter
Collection and preparation
Incisions are made when the capsules are green using special knives.(in the
afternoon). Incisions should not penetrate the interior of the capsules. Exuded
milky latex rapidly coagulates and turns brown. Latex is then scrapped, dried and
manipulated to various shapes
Constituents:
Alkaloids
Phenanthrene group:
1. Morphine named after Morpheus the god of sleep.
It is the most effective pain killer. its Synthesis gives very low yieldand we still need
the natural source.
Its action is Antiperistaltic and respiratory depressant.
It is addictive.
2. codeine:
Has an effect similar to morphine but weaker.
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