Reciprocal Evolution of Opiate Science from Medical and Cultural Perspectives

Abstract

Over the course of human history, it has been common to use plants for medicinal purposes, such as for providing relief from particular maladies and self-medication. Opium represents one longstanding remedy that has been used to address a range of medical conditions, alleviating discomfort often in ways that have proven pleasurable. Opium is a combination of compounds obtained from the mature fruit of opium poppy, papaver somniferum. Morphine and its biosynthetic precursors thebaine and codeine constitute the main bioactive opiate alkaloids contained in opium. Opium usage in ancient cultures is well documented, as is its major extract morphine. The presence of endogenous opiate alkaloids and opioid peptides in animals owe their discovery to their consistent actions at particular concentrations via stereo select receptors. In vitro expression of morphine within a microbiological industrial setting underscores the role it plays as a multi-purpose pharmacological agent, as well as reinforcing why it can also lead to long-term social dependence. Furthermore, it clearly establishes a reciprocal effect of human intelligence on modifying evolutionary processes in papaver somniferum and related plant species.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Investigate How PZM21 Affects the Conformational State of the μ-Opioid Receptor Upon Activation

“…Morphine [ 1 ] is used worldwide because of its strong analgesic activity. However, morphine can produce a series of toxic reactions and side effects: tolerance, constipation, respiratory depression, and addiction.…”

Effect on music therapy on quality of recovery and postoperative pain after gynecological laparoscopy

“…[13,14] In a stressful environment, cortisol levels were lower in the music intervention group, [15] and mu-opioid receptors were affected by music. [16] Furthermore, many previous articles have shown that music therapy has beneficial effects on psychological outcomes (improvement of mood and reduction of anxiety) and is devoid of side effects in patients undergoing surgery. [17,18] The effects of music therapy on pain can be explained by several possible mechanisms.…”

Fifty Years of Research and One Conclusion: Opium Causes Cancer

“…The analgesic properties of opium were noted by Hippocrates around 460 BCE, and Galen around 200 CE. 2 Opium's other medicinal and adverse effects were described by Avicenna in "The Canon of Medicine" around 1025 CE. 3 Opium poppy was cultivated in Mesopotamia (3400 BCE), Egypt (1500 BCE), and Greece (1100 BCE).…”