Natural Opium Alkaloids and Derivatives

Opium alkaloids, derived from crude opium poppy plants, are substances obtained from opium poppy seeds in a natural way or in the laboratory. They are mainly divided into five types: morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, and papaverine. Due to the significant physiological activity of the above alkaloids, they are widely used in medical research. Studies have shown that some of the above alkaloids show agonistic effects by binding to receptors of endogenous opioid drugs, such as morphine and codeine; the other part mediates the action of non-opioid drugs. Although opioid alkaloids are effective analgesics, their use is limited due to dependence and withdrawal.