Question

Opium is obtained from

• A. Oryza sativa
• B. Papaver somniferum
• C. Thea sinensis
• D. Coffea arabica

Answer 1

Solution

The correct option is B) Papaver somniferum

Explanation

Papaver somniferum, also called the opium poppy, belongs to the family Papaveraceae. Opium and poppy seeds are obtained from this plant. Opium is a narcotic drug that is highly addictive. It is obtained from the latex of Papaver somniferum. 12% of opium is made up of morphine. The acetylation of morphine yields heroin which is a hard drug. Final answer d. Papaver somniferum.

• The dried latex of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) seed pod is where one can obtain opium, a highly addictive narcotic substance. The morphine alkaloid present in opium serves as the source of heroin.
• It served as a potent pain reliever for the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Sumerians called it the "joy plant," or Hul Gil, and it was cultivated in Southeast Asia.
• Opium dens, which were marketplaces for the trade of opium, existed all throughout the world but were particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia, China, and Europe.

Related questions

• What are the characteristics of drugs?
• Why do some drugs cause side effects?