In nature, Papaveraceae plants have attracted countless attention with their unique shapes and colors. Behind this beautiful appearance, however, lies a dangerous truth. This article will take you into the mysterious world of Papaveraceae plants, to understand the representative plants of this family and related knowledge.
Overview of Papaveraceae PlantsThe Papaveraceae (Papaveraceae) is a family of dicotyledonous plants, with about 20 genera and 600 species worldwide. There are 5 genera and about 50 species in China, mainly distributed in the Northeast, North, Northwest, and Southwest regions. Papaveraceae plants are used medicinally for the whole plant or fruit, with analgesic, sedative, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Examples of Papaveraceae Plants1. Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)
The poppy is the representative plant of the Papaveraceae family and also one of the world-famous drug-source plants. The fruit of the poppy contains alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and papaverine, which have analgesic and sedative effects. The fruit and seeds of the poppy contain a large amount of opium, and long-term use can lead to addiction and cause serious harm to human health.
2. Poppy Flower (Papaver somniferum L.)
The poppy flower is one of the most representative ornamental plants in the Papaveraceae family, with bright colors and a long blooming period. Poppy flowers are often given beautiful meanings in literary works, such as "beautiful and dangerous love." Poppy flowers are not real ornamental plants, as their flowers contain opium and should not be touched randomly.
3. Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus L.)
Greater celandine is a medicinal plant in the Papaveraceae family, with the whole plant used in medicine, having the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. Greater celandine is distributed throughout China and has high medicinal value. However, it should be noted that greater celandine contains alkaloids, and excessive use can lead to poisoning.
4. Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis L.)
Fumitory is an ornamental plant in the Papaveraceae family, with flowers resembling purses and bright colors. Fumitory is distributed throughout China and has high ornamental value. The flowers of fumitory contain alkaloids and should not be touched randomly.
Knowledge related to Papaveraceae Plants1. Papaveraceae plants have high medicinal value in China, but they should be used with caution to avoid overdose.
2. The opium component in Papaveraceae plants has a very high addiction potential, and long-term use can lead to addiction, causing serious harm to human health.
3. Some Papaveraceae plants have high ornamental value, but attention should be paid to the alkaloid components in their flowers and fruits.
4. With the continuous strengthening of China's drug control efforts, the number of Papaveraceae plants in the country is gradually decreasing, but it still needs to be taken seriously.
Papaveraceae plants have attracted countless attention with their unique shapes and colors. However, behind the beautiful appearance lies a dangerous truth. Understanding the related knowledge of Papaveraceae plants can help us better understand this family and enhance our self-protection awareness. While admiring the beauty of Papaveraceae plants, we must not ignore their potential dangers.