Author/Editor | Mlinarič, Aleš | |
Title | Vrtni mak: strupene rastline | |
Translated title | Poppy | |
Type | članek | |
Source | Herbika Ljubl | |
Vol. and No. | Letnik 3, št. 3 | |
Publication year | 2002 | |
Volume | str. 40-1 | |
Language | slo | |
Abstract | Apart from medicinal purposes, poppy (Papaver somniferum L) is also used in the production of heroin, one of the most dangerous toxic drugs. The genus Papaver covers more than 100 species of which only Papaver somniferum L can be used for morphine production. Production of poppy for isolation of alkaloids is only allowed in a few countries. The process of opium production is time-consuming and can only be performed in countries with cheap labour. Pharmacological eftects of opium, the spurge that comes from the unripe poppy heads, have been known for four thousand years at the least. Opium contains a lot of morphian alkaloids such as morphine, which is an addictive drug. Nowadays, it is only prescribed to ease severe pain, particularly in the terminal stages of cancer. | |
Descriptors | PAPAVER MORPHINE OPIUM MORPHINE DEPENDENCE |