Tag: Natural 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.

Ancient texts from as far back as 5,000 years ago mention the medicinal use of opium from the opium poppy, establishing its long history in medicine. The answer to what plant has natural opioids is predominantly the opium poppy, though other plants also contain compounds that affect the opioid system, carrying a complex legacy of both medical benefit and dangerous addiction.

Worldwide, about 60 million people used opioids in 2021. A natural opioid, also known as an opiate, is a substance derived directly from the opium poppy plant (*Papaver somniferum*) and includes well-known drugs like morphine and codeine. The "natural" origin, however, does not imply these substances are safer or less addictive than their synthetic counterparts.

According to the CDC, natural opioids like morphine and codeine are derived directly from the poppy plant. The correct answer to the question, 'Which of the following medications would be classified as a natural opioid?' is therefore one of the substances naturally present in the opium poppy.