s. Acevska J, Stefkov G, Petkovska R, Kulevanova S, Dimitrovska A. Chemometric approach for development, optimization, and validation of different chromatographic methods for separation of opium alkaloids. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2012 May;403(4):1117-29. Institute of Applied Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia....

BACKGROUND Due to this belief that opium may have beneficial effects on diabetes or cardiovascular risk factors, the present study aimed to assess the potential and possible effects of opium consumption on diabetes control and some cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. METHODS This study enrolled 374 diabetic subjects from diabetes care centers in Kerman, Iran, including opium use...

A study of somatic embryogenesis and rhizogenesis and their influence on production of morphinan alkaloids on two species of opium poppy is presented. We identified the ratios of auxin and cytokinin that caused somatic embryogenesis and rhizogenesis in hypocotyl and cotyledons of Papaver somniferum album and Papaver orientale splendidissimum. The hypocotyls and cotyledons both show somatic embr...

Latex and cell-free extracts of various organs and stages of plant and capsule development in Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, synthesized dopamine, an alkaloid precursor, from 14C-dopa. The 1000 g X 30 min supernatant from latex of the pedicel-capsule junction converted more dopa than latex supernatant from the upper capsule or lower pedicel regions, although there was more protein in the ...

Herbal agents are increasingly used for medicinal purposes, but there is a lack of knowledge about the content of these agents. Indiscriminate use of herbal agents may cause severe side effects and also death. We report a newborn who developed convulsions and respiratory arrest after oral intake of an opium poppy preparation containing papaverine for its antitussive effect. The infant experienc...

The problem of pain relief is one that faces every doctor. Indeed as Sir Hugh Cairns (1949) told medical students in an inaugural address at King's College some twenty years ago, 'Tour patients need from you more than diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency. They do not come to you to be cured; they come to be relieved of their pains and other symptoms, and to be comforted." There can be no doubt...

Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is one of the world’s most well-known, yet maligned plant species. However, significant recent research starting to unveil potential produce secondary compounds that may offer a suite medical benefits, elevating this unique species from its illicit narcotic status into genuine biopharmaceutical. This review summarises lengthy history and details molecular pathways und...