The annual herb ahiphena (papavar somniferum) can reach a height of 100 cm. Although it originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is now grown all throughout Europe. The herbal plant has a greyish green hue, and its leaves and stems are sporadically covered with tiny, silky hairs. At the base of the stem, the lobed leaves clasp together.
This herb typically grows flowers that are more than 120 mm in diameter and have four petals: white, mauve, and red. Round capsules make up the fruits, and when a whole herb is cut, white latex is released by the plant.
Description
There are numerous species and subspecies of Papever Somniferum, but they differ from one another in a variety of ways, including the color, shape, and number of petals on flowers, the quantity of fruits and flowers, the color of the seeds, the amount of opium produced, and more.
Botanical Name:
papavar somniferum
Family:
Papaveraceae
Stems and Leaves:
Papaver somniferum stems are glaucous, which means that a waxy coating gives them a greyish-green look. Coarse hairs are sporadically covered in them and the leaves. Large, lobed leaves with higher leaves clasping the stem are present. The petioles on the lower leaves are short.
Flowers:
The poppies, which may grow up to 3–10 cm (1–4 in) in diameter, are stunning to see. Their colors can vary from white and mauve to scarlet, and they usually have four petals. There may be black markings at the base of the petals as well.
Fruit:
The opium poppy fruit is a spherical, hairless capsule. Sometimes called a fluted cap, the tip of the capsule has 12–18 radiating stigmatic rays. This portion of the plant yields the latex that contains alkaloids, such as codeine and morphine.
Seeds:
The little, kidney-shaped seeds are produced by the mature poppy plant. There are no narcotic alkaloids present in the latex of these greyish-blue to dark blue poppy seeds. Because of their nutty flavor, poppy seeds are utilized in a lot of recipes.
Habitat:
It’s the species of plant that yields both poppy and opium seeds, yet it’s also a priceless garden decorative. Its natural distribution was east of the Mediterranean Sea, but due to historical introductions and cultivation, it has been naturalized over most of Europe and Asia, hiding its true location.
Parts Used:
- Unripe capsule
- Seed
- Fruit
Dosage:
- Codeine – 0.5gm
- Exudate – 30 to 50 mg
- Khas khas – 1-3 gm
Chemical Constituents
Due to the fact that opium extracts include a number of significant and addictive substances, including xanthaline, codamine, meconin, morphine, codeine, and thebaine.
Other Language Names of ahiphena (papavar somniferum)
Hindi name – Post, Afeem, Afeem ka doda
Kashmiri name – Aaphin, Aphen
Sanskrit name – Ahiphen
Telgu name – Abhini, Gasalu
Bengali name – Aaphi, aphim and pasto
Urdu name – khaskhashufaid
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Angiosperma |
| Order | Ranunculates |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Kashay, Tikta
- Guna -Laghu, Ruksha, Suksham, Vikashi, Vyavayi
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Astringent, Bitter
- Physical Property-Light, Dry, Minute, Expanding, Spreading
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
ahiphena (papavar somniferum) Uses
- This herb is also useful for blood poisoning and alcohol withdrawal.
- Leaves and seeds are anti-cancer herbs used in cancer treatment.
- Ulcers are treated using seed paste.
- Morphine’s unique ability to lessen pain makes it an excellent treatment for digestive system problems.
- Ahiphena is an excellent herb for the urinary system since it lowers urine’s sugar content.
- It is also used to treat eye diseases and raise intraocular pressure.
ahiphena (papavar somniferum) Benefits
Pain relief:
Morphine, the most well-known alkaloid of Ahiphena, is a potent pain reliever. It is used in hospitals and hospices to alleviate moderate to severe pain.
Cough suppressant:
Another alkaloid in Ahiphena (papavar somniferum) that suppresses coughing is codeine. It functions by lessening the brain’s cough reflex activation.
Diarrhea treatment:
The Ahiphena (papavar somniferum) plant yields poppy seeds, which may be used to cure diarrhea. They contain tannins, which can assist to firm loose stools due to their astringent qualities.
ahiphena (papavar somniferum) Side Effects
Respiratory depression:
This is a dangerous side effect that can cause breathing difficulties or even death by slowing down your breathing.
Confusion:
Ahiphena can be confusing, particularly when taken in large amounts or by older individuals.
Low blood pressure:
Ahiphena can cause blood pressure to drop, which is risky for those who already have certain medical issues.
Skin itching:
This is a typical adverse reaction, particularly following injection.
Read Also: Orris Root (Iris germanica) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Conclusion
ahiphena (papavar somniferum) seeds are utilized in breast cancer treatment because they contain oleic acid, which prevents the growth and survival of cancer cells. These seeds give the heart vigor and maintain its health. It maintains the health of the digestive tract as a digestive stimulant.
FAQS
What is the use of Ahiphena?
Ahiphena is utilized in several Kalpanas and belongs to the Upavisha class. One of the most effective analgesic opioids for pain relief is morphine. It has long been used for a variety of reasons, including pain treatment.
What are the benefits of ahiphena (papavar somniferum)?
Ayurveda states that it helps with muscle discomfort, anxiety, neurological diseases, depression, spasm, neuralgia, and other conditions by decreasing Vata dosha and increasing Kapha dosha. Similar to its seeds, its oil has certain medical properties.
What is ahiphena in Ayurveda?
Ahiphena is utilized in several Kalpanas and belongs to the Upavisha class. One of the most effective analgesic opioids for pain relief is morphine. It has long been used for a variety of reasons, including pain treatment.