opium

Opium is a highly addictive non-synthetic narcotic drug obtained from the latex of the unripe seedpod of the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum)[2][4]. It is a complex mixture containing several alkaloids such as morphine (the principal active component), codeine, noscapine, thebaine, and papaverine[4][7]. Opium has been used for centuries for its analgesic (pain-relieving), hypnotic (sleep-inducing), antitussive (cough-suppressing), gastrointestinal and cognitive effects[1][8]. Its primary mechanism of action is agonism at opioid receptors—μ-opioid receptor (MOR), δ-opioid receptor (DOR), and κ-opioid receptor (KOR)—in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This leads to inhibition of neurotransmitter release by opening potassium channels and preventing voltage-gated calcium channel opening in neurons[6][7]. The result is reduced neuronal excitability and inhibition of pain signal transmission. Opium also causes euphoria followed by relaxation but can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and overdose with symptoms such as respiratory depression or death[2][5][8]. While once widely used medicinally in forms like laudanum or paregoric for pain relief or diarrhea control, it has largely been replaced by purified alkaloids or synthetic opioids in modern medicine[8].

Other names

Ah-pen-yenAuntiAunti EmmaBig OBlack pillChandooChanduChinese MolassesChinese TobaccoDopiumDover's PowderDream GunDream StickFi-do-nieGeeGod's MedicineGondolaGoricGreat TobaccoGumaHop/hopsJoy PlantMidnight OilMiraOO.P.OpePeny anPingonPoxSkeeToxyToysWhe n-seeZeZero