Source of morphine, codeine, and other analgesics is which plant?

Source of morphine, codeine, and other analgesics is which plant?

• A. Opium plant
• B. Coca plant
• C. Cannabis plant
• D. Willow bark

Answer: (A)

Morphine and codeine are opioid analgesics derived from the latex of the opium poppy. The opium poppy, when scored, releases a milky sap containing alkaloids such as morphine and codeine, which are then refined into the medications we use clinically. In contrast, the Coca plant yields cocaine, Cannabis provides cannabinoids, and Willow bark contains salicin, a precursor to aspirin—none of which are sources of morphine or codeine. Therefore, the plant that supplies these opioids is the opium poppy.

Morphine and codeine are opioid analgesics derived from the latex of the opium poppy. The opium poppy, when scored, releases a milky sap containing alkaloids such as morphine and codeine, which are then refined into the medications we use clinically. In contrast, the Coca plant yields cocaine, Cannabis provides cannabinoids, and Willow bark contains salicin, a precursor to aspirin—none of which are sources of morphine or codeine. Therefore, the plant that supplies these opioids is the opium poppy.