PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Papaver bracteatum, also known as the Persian poppy, is a perennial medicinal plant endemic to Northern Iran, characterized by high thebaine content and an absence of morphine [PMID:33243708, PMID:39009644].
Background
Papaver bracteatum is a member of the Papaveraceae family [PMID:33243708]. It is considered a promising alternative to the opium poppy (P. somniferum) for the production of codeine and various semisynthetic antagonist drugs [PMID:39009644, PMID:27061130].
Active compounds
The primary active compound is the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid thebaine [PMID:33243708, PMID:39009644]. Other identified alkaloids include papaverine, noscapine, and oripavine [PMID:27061130, PMID:22763738].
Mechanism of action
Thebaine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of pharmaceutical ingredients including buprenorphine, naltrexone, naloxone, and hydrocodone [PMID:34570218]. Biosynthesis of thebaine in P. bracteatum follows the same pathway as in the opium poppy, with the limiting step being the demethylation of the enol ether group of thebaine to neopinone [PMID:619094].
Safety & adverse effects
Papaver bracteatum is classified as a narcotic plant and is illegal in certain jurisdictions, such as Japan [PMID:24952707].
Evidence summary
The available evidence is primarily focused on botanical, phytochemical, and genetic research regarding the extraction and biosynthesis of thebaine; there are no clinical trials or human therapeutic studies provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 34570218 (2022) — Micronization of Thebaine Extracted from Papaver bracteatum Lindl. Using Supercritical Fluid Technology. · Journal of AOAC International
- 2.PMID: 39009644 (2024) — Phylogeography and genetic structure of Papaver bracteatum populations in Iran based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). · Scientific reports
- 3.PMID: 33243708 (2021) — Altered gene expression and root thebaine production in polyploidized and methyl jasmonate-elicited Papaver bracteatum Lindl. · Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB
- 4.PMID: 22763738 (2012) — Analysis of fluid extracts obtained from Papaver rhoeas petals contaminated with Papaver bracteatum petals. · Planta medica
- 5.PMID: 24952707 (2014) — Rapid identification of a narcotic plant Papaver bracteatum using flow cytometry.