Therapeutic Applications And Risks of Papaver Somniferum L. Alkaloids In Cancer Pain And Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema

Background: Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy) is a historically significant medicinal plant, primarily known for its potent alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine. With the global rise in opioid use and misuse, understanding the medical potential and risks of poppy-derived compounds has gained renewed significance, particularly in contexts such as cancer-related pain and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE).

Purpose: This review evaluates the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of P. somniferum alkaloids, particularly morphine, in managing cancer-related pain and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE), alongside associated risks and regulatory concerns.

Method: A literature review was conducted, synthesizing data from peer-reviewed studies sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on pharmacological, clinical, and biochemical properties of poppy alkaloids.

Results: Morphine effectively controls severe cancer pain (80–90% pain reduction in clinical trials) via mu-opioid receptor modulation but is underutilized due to addiction concerns. In ACPE, morphine reduces preload and anxiety but lacks clear survival benefits, with risks like respiratory depression (10–15% incidence) and drug interactions.

Conclusion: While Papaver somniferum-derived morphine remains a cornerstone in palliative pain management, its use in ACPE should be approached cautiously due to unclear survival benefits and notable risks.