13 June 2017 : Review article
Reciprocal Evolution of Opiate Science from Medical and Cultural Perspectives
George B. Stefano1ADEF*, Nastazja Pilonis2ADEF, Radek Ptacek1ADEF, Richard M. Kream1ADEFDOI: 10.12659/MSM.905167
Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:2890-2896
Abstract
Over the course of human history, it has been common to use plants for medicinal purposes, such as for providing relief from particular maladies and self-medication. Opium represents one longstanding remedy that has been used to address a range of medical conditions, alleviating discomfort often in ways that have proven pleasurable. Opium is a combination of compounds obtained from the mature fruit of opium poppy, papaver somniferum. Morphine and its biosynthetic precursors thebaine and codeine constitute the main bioactive opiate alkaloids contained in opium. Opium usage in ancient cultures is well documented, as is its major extract morphine. The presence of endogenous opiate alkaloids and opioid peptides in animals owe their discovery to their consistent actions at particular concentrations via stereo select receptors. In vitro expression of morphine within a microbiological industrial setting underscores the role it plays as a multi-purpose pharmacological agent, as well as reinforcing why it can also lead to long-term social dependence. Furthermore, it clearly establishes a reciprocal effect of human intelligence on modifying evolutionary processes in papaver somniferum and related plant species.
Keywords: Receptors, Opioid - history, Opium - history, Papaver - drug effects, Morphine - history, Morphine - therapeutic use, Opium - therapeutic use, Receptors, Opioid - therapeutic use
1581 49
Editorial
01 December 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: Outbreaks of Post-Pandemic Childhood Pneumonia and the Re-Emergence of Endemic Respiratory InfectionsDOI: 10.12659/MSM.943312
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e943312
In Press
08 Dec 2023 : Clinical Research
Association Between Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Health Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based St...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
04 Dec 2023 : Animal Research
Effects of Intrathecal Ketamine on Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Mech...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
01 Dec 2023 : Clinical Research
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Retrospective St...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
30 Nov 2023 : Review article
Decoding the Neurological Sequelae of General Anesthesia: A ReviewMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI:
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292