Review on Toxicological Aspect of Ahiphena (Papaver)

Ahiphena (papaver) is one among Upavisha which is air-dried latex juice obtained from unripe capsules of white poppy. White poppy is botanically classified as Papaver somniferum and belongs to family Papaveracea The name poppy is derived from Latin meaning sleep inducing. The Ayurvedic text Rasa Tarangini Included Ahiphena (papaver) among eleven Upavishas . Opium yields wide range of natural, semi synthetic and synthetic alkaloids namely morphine, thebaine, codeine and papaverine which is commonly use in medicine. Semi synthetic heroin, hydro morphine, oxymorphone, oxycodone and synthetic meperidine, methadone, levarphanol , diphenoxylate, fentanyl, proposophene. Opium and its alkaloids cause drug dependence and it is most commonly abused substances after cannabis. Opioids are the main drugs of abuse in Asia, Europe and much of Oceania. The opium act of 1857 empowers only Central Government to cultivate poppy plants and manufacture opium with the help of farmers authorized by Government. The opium act 1878 prohibits import, export, transportation, possession and sale of opium. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 includes opium as narcotic and psychotropic substances and consumption of opium and its leads to imprisonment for one year or with fine or with both. Schedule-E (1) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 has included opium in list of poisons. This study design to present all toxicological aspect of Ahiphena in Ayurvedic and contemporary View to treat people of opium poisoning and counselling in drug abuse.