Which poppy seeds contain opium

Besides the medical importance of opium poppy, the plant also plays a role in the domain of food. The mature seeds are used predominantly in poppy cakes but also in smaller amounts on rolls and bagels. Because of their high oil content, edible oil is produced from the seeds, too. Although the seeds may also contain alkaloids, they only occur naturally in traces.

Hence, edible poppy seeds are only likely to contain the smallest amounts of morphine. Studies on alkaloid levels in edible poppy seeds have, however, revealed that the levels vary markedly and have increased overall in recent years.

Types of poppy, harvesting time and geographical origin could all influence the alkaloid levels. The main reason for the increase seems, however, to be the contamination of the seeds with alkaloid-containing capsule fragments or the milky sap itself. Possible causes under discussion are recently introduced harvesting methods in which the capsules are squashed and the milky sap released could contaminate the seeds. In unfavourable circumstances, normal consumption of poppy seed-containing foods could lead to the ingestion of morphine amounts which are in the therapeutic range.

The overall range of adverse reactions could then occur. They include central nervous and peripheral effects like impaired consciousness, respiratory disorders and cardiovascular effects. It is clear that highly contaminated poppy seeds are dangerous and not suited for placement on the market or consumption. The health assessment of the consumption of poppy seeds with low morphine concentrations is more difficult from the precautionary angle.

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The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author s and the copyright owner s are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Carlin, m. Dean and Jennifer M. Introduction Papaver somniferum L. Figure 1. Chemical structures of the major opium alkaloids.

Table 2. Poppy seed source and country of origin. Table 3. Mobile phase composition and gradient program for HPLC. Table 6. Extraction solvents and associated polarity index values. Table 7. Table 9. Services for applicants Toolkit Track your application Event calendar Ask a question. Grants Calls for data Consultations Observers. Stakeholders Engagement platforms Engagement in risk assessment Calls for stakeholders Stakeholder registration Training Programme.

Funding programmes Upcoming calls Knowledge Centre National funding opportunities. Opium alkaloids in poppy seeds: assessment updated. Published :. Data gaps The assessment also considered data on other alkaloids present in poppy seeds — thebaine, oripavine, noscapine and papaverine.

What is an acute reference dose? In brief: opium alkaloids in poppies Poppy seeds are obtained from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. The latex milky sap of the opium poppy contains up to 80 alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, which have been used for the treatment of severe pain for generations but are also subject to misuse. The seeds are used as food and to produce edible oil.