Tag: Endogenous opioids

The opium poppy plant, *Papaver somniferum*, is the source of natural opiates such as morphine and codeine, but the human body also produces its own pain-relieving compounds called endogenous opioids. Exploring what is a natural opiate-like substance requires understanding both these plant-derived compounds and the internal systems that mimic their effects.

The discovery of endogenous opioid peptides in 1975 revolutionized our understanding of pain and pleasure [1.2.1]. So, **what are opioid like peptides**? They are the body's own morphine-like substances, playing crucial roles in analgesia, mood, and stress responses [1.2.2, 1.4.2].