Family

Papaveraceae

Genus

Papaver

Common Name

Corn poppy

Plant Figure

Description

Plants in the Papaver genus from Papaveraceae family (commonly known as poppy) have been used in traditional medicinal practices for a long time. They are also famously known for their alkaloid extract, which is among the constituents of addictive drugs. Historical medical evidence shows that Papaver spp. have been used since Greek and Roman times (293–185 BC). Papaver spp. has various functional benefits that are widely used to treat various issues, such as dental problems, neuronal disorders, cough, pain relief, microbial infections, and cancer. In Papaver rhoeas, the primary drug components are rhoeadine, iso-rhoeadine, protopine, and latericine.