PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CORN POPPY/223

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Folk medicine uses include gastritis,

coughs, skin impurities, edema and worm purging.

Homeopathic Uses: Dilutions are used for gastritis.

^ PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated homeopathic dosages of the

drug.

OVERDOSAGE

2 to 3 gm of the seeds are considered harmless to humans;

poisonous levels are reached between 3 and 5 gm, due to the

toxic triterpene saponin content. Dosages over 5 gm are

considered lethal. Signs of poisoning include local irritation

of mucous membranes (sneezing, lacrimation, conjunctivitis,

salivation, nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea). The ingestion

of toxic levels leads to headache, dizziness, restlessness,

circulatory disorders, deliria and possible spasms. Death

occurs through asphyxiation. Long-term ingestion of acute

non-toxic dosages can cause chronic signs of poisoning. The

toxins are not affected by baking or cooking.

Following gastrointestinal emptying (inducement of vomit-
^ ing, gastric lavage, sodium sulfate) and the instillation of
activated charcoal, the treatment for poisoning includes
diazepam or barbital (i.v.) for spasms. In the event of shock,
plasma volume expanders shou'd be infused. Monitoring of
kidney function is necessary. Intubation and oxygen respira-
tion may also be required.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole herb preparations for

internal, external and parenteral uses.

Homeopathic Dosage: Parenterally: Can be given 1 ml sc, 3

times daily for acute use; and once a day for chronic use but

only from D2 (HAB34). Orally: 5 drops, 1 tablet, 10

globules, every 30 to 60 minutes for acute use; and 1 to 3

times daily for chronic use.

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Kende H, Shen TC, Nitrate reductase in Agrostemma githago.

Comparison of the inductive effects of nitrate and cytokinin.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 216:118-25, 1972 Nov 24.

Siepmann C, Bader G, Hiller K, Wray V, Domke T, Nimtz M,

New saponins from the seeds of Agrostemma githago var.

githago. Planta Med, 216:159-64, 1998 Mar.

Smith RA, Miller RE, Lang DG, Presumptive intoxication of

cattle by corn cockle, Agrostemma githago (L) Scop. Vet Hum

Toxicol, 216:250, 1997 Aug.

Stirpe F, Gasperi-Campani A, Barbieri L, Falasca A,

Abbondanza A, Stevens WA, Ribosome-inactivating proteins

from the seeds of Saponaria officinalis L. (soapwort), of

Agrostemma githago L. (corn cockle) and of Asparagus

officinalis L. (asparagus), and from the latex of Hura crepitans

L. (sandbox tree). Biochem J, 216:617-25, 1983 D.

Corn Poppy

Papaver rhoeas

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the

flowers and seeds.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are solitary, terminal or

axillary, and have a diameter of 10 cm. The pedicles are

bristly, irregularly curved and usually axillary. The two

sepals are green, bristly and fall off. The 4 petals are

orbicular, usually scarlet or crimson (though occasionally

white or violet) with a round, shiny, often white-bordered

deep-black mark at the base. The fruit capsule is broad-

elliptical, dark brown and reticulate-pitted.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Poppy is an annual, occasionally

biennial, multiple-stemmed plant 25 to 90 cm high. The

stems are erect to semi-erect, simple or branched with stiff,

protruding hairs. They have basal rosette lanceolate leaves

and deeply indented cauline leaves. The foliage leaves are

oblong-lanceolate, pinnatifid to pinnatisect and very bristly.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to Europe, northern Africa

and temperate regions in Asia, and has been introduced in

North and South America.

Production: Corn Poppy flower consists of the dried petals

of Papaver rhoeas as well as its preparations.

Not to be Confused With: Confusion can occur with Papaver

dibium and Papaver argemone.

Other Names: Copperose, Corn Rose, Cup-Puppy, Head-

ache, Headwark, Red Poppy

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Isoquinoline alkaloids (0.1%): chief alkaloids rhoeadine,

isorhoeadine, rhoeagenine, coptisine, isocorydine, stylopine

Anthocyans: including among others mecocyanin (cyanidin-

3-isosophoroside), cyanin

Mucilages