# Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/papaver-rhoeas
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Common Poppy, Corn Poppy, Field Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Red Poppy, Coquelicot, Rosolaccio, Klatschmohn, Amapola, Papaver rhoeas L.

## Overview

Papaver rhoeas, the common poppy, contains rhoeadine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been traditionally associated with mild sedative and antitussive effects through modulation of central nervous system pathways. It also provides notable mineral content including magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus when consumed as an herbal infusion.

## Health Benefits

• Limited clinical evidence available - no human trials identified in research
• Contains rhoeadine alkaloid traditionally associated with mild sedative properties (traditional use only)
• Rich in minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium in infusion form (analytical data only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) potential suggested by phytochemical profile (preliminary evidence)
• No clinically validated health benefits established through controlled trials

## Mechanism of Action

Rhoeadine, the primary isoquinoline alkaloid in Papaver rhoeas petals, is hypothesized to exert mild central nervous system depressant effects, potentially through modulation of GABAergic or opioid-adjacent receptor pathways, though its precise receptor binding profile in humans remains poorly characterized. Unlike morphine-class alkaloids from Papaver somniferum, rhoeadine does not exhibit strong mu-opioid receptor agonism and carries negligible narcotic activity. Antioxidant polyphenols, including anthocyanins responsible for the petals' red pigmentation, may contribute secondary [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing.

## Clinical Summary

No controlled human clinical trials evaluating Papaver rhoeas extracts for any health outcome have been identified in the current literature. Available evidence is limited to ethnobotanical records, in vitro studies, and analytical chemistry data confirming alkaloid and mineral profiles. Animal studies in rodent models have suggested mild sedative and antinociceptive activity attributable to rhoeadine fractions, but effect sizes and translational relevance to humans remain unestablished. The overall evidence base is preclinical and insufficient to support any quantified therapeutic claim.

## Nutritional Profile

Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) petals and seeds contain distinct nutritional profiles. Seeds contain approximately 40-50% fixed oils rich in linoleic acid (60-70% of fatty acid content) and oleic acid (15-20%), with crude protein content of 20-25% dry weight. Petals used in herbal infusions provide trace macronutrients with negligible caloric value. Mineral content in dried petals includes magnesium (approximately 180-220 mg/100g dry weight), potassium (approximately 400-500 mg/100g dry weight), and phosphorus (approximately 150-200 mg/100g dry weight), though bioavailability from infusions is estimated at 10-30% of total mineral content due to limited extraction efficiency. Bioactive alkaloid content includes rhoeadine (0.1-0.2% dry weight in petals), papaverrubine isomers, and isorhoeasgenin, which are the primary pharmacologically relevant compounds. Anthocyanin pigments, predominantly cyanin (cyanidin-3-sophoroside) and pelargonin, contribute to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity estimated at 150-300 µmol Trolox equivalents per gram dry weight by DPPH assay. Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides are present at approximately 0.5-1.2% dry weight in petals. Mucilaginous polysaccharides are present in petals at roughly 5-8% dry weight, contributing to the emollient properties noted in traditional use. Vitamin C content is minimal and largely destroyed during drying. Carotenoids are present at low levels (approximately 2-5 mg/100g dry weight). Alkaloid bioavailability from aqueous infusions is low due to poor water solubility of some derivatives, with rhoeadine extraction estimated at 20-40% of total petal content.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for Papaver rhoeas extracts, powders, or standardized forms. No human trials provide guidance on safe or effective doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Papaver rhoeas is generally regarded as low-risk at traditional infusion doses, as its rhoeadine content does not produce the respiratory depression or dependence associated with opiate alkaloids from related Papaver species. Individuals taking CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, or sedative antihistamines should exercise caution due to theoretical additive sedative effects. Safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are absent, and use is not recommended during these periods given the lack of controlled safety studies. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals with known sensitivity to Papaveraceae family plants.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Papaver rhoeas in the available research. Current scientific literature focuses exclusively on phytochemical analysis, mineral content, and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties rather than clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Papaver rhoeas has historical use as a mild sedative, attributed to its rhoeadine alkaloid content. It contrasts with the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which contains greater narcotic quantities and has more extensive medicinal documentation.

## Synergistic Combinations

Valerian root, Passionflower, Lemon balm, Chamomile, L-theanine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does common poppy contain morphine or opiates?

Papaver rhoeas does not contain morphine, codeine, or thebaine, which are the narcotic alkaloids found in Papaver somniferum (opium poppy). Its primary alkaloid, rhoeadine, is an isoquinoline compound with a distinct chemical structure and no clinically significant opioid receptor agonism, making it non-narcotic at typical herbal use doses.

### What is rhoeadine and what does it do?

Rhoeadine is an isoquinoline alkaloid unique to Papaver rhoeas and is considered the plant's principal bioactive compound. It has been associated with mild sedative and antitussive (cough-suppressant) properties in traditional European herbal medicine, and rodent studies suggest some antinociceptive activity, though human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are currently unavailable.

### How is common poppy traditionally used as an herbal remedy?

In European folk medicine, dried Papaver rhoeas petals were prepared as a weak infusion or tea and used to relieve mild insomnia, nervous tension, and dry coughs in both adults and children. It appears in several national pharmacopoeias as a mild sedative herb, though modern regulatory bodies do not endorse these uses due to insufficient clinical evidence.

### What minerals does common poppy tea contain?

Analytical studies of Papaver rhoeas petal infusions have confirmed the presence of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus in measurable quantities, though concentrations per typical serving are modest and unlikely to contribute significantly to daily recommended intakes. The mineral profile is consistent with many floral herbal teas and is not considered a primary therapeutic rationale for use.

### Is common poppy safe to take with sleep medications?

There is a theoretical risk of additive central nervous system depression if Papaver rhoeas preparations are combined with pharmaceutical sedatives such as benzodiazepines, Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone), or sedating antihistamines, due to rhoeadine's proposed GABAergic-adjacent activity. No documented drug interaction studies exist in humans, so caution and consultation with a healthcare provider are advised before combining these substances.

### What is the current quality of scientific evidence for common poppy's health benefits?

Common poppy lacks clinical human trials, with available evidence limited to traditional use documentation and preliminary phytochemical analysis. Most claims about its sedative or health benefits remain unvalidated by rigorous scientific research. The ingredient is included in WHO/EMA monographs based on historical traditional use rather than modern clinical efficacy data. Consumers should be aware that marketed benefits have not been confirmed through controlled human studies.

### Is common poppy safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Safety data for common poppy during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not available from clinical studies. While common poppy does not contain significant morphine or regulated opiates, the lack of human safety data means use during these periods should be avoided or only undertaken under healthcare provider guidance. Traditional use does not guarantee safety for vulnerable populations such as pregnant or nursing women.

### How should common poppy be prepared or dosed for use as a supplement?

Specific clinical dosing recommendations for common poppy do not exist due to absence of human trials establishing safe or effective doses. Traditional preparations typically use flower infusions or teas, but standardized dosage guidelines are not established. Any use should be based on historical traditional doses and individual tolerance, with consultation from a qualified healthcare practitioner recommended given the limited evidence base.

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