Definition of alkaloid of opium :    

Alkaloid is the basic, nitrogenous compound of plant origin. Produce salt when combines with acid and is physiologically active in both plant and animal.

Classification of alkaloid of opium :

(01). Natural :

A). Phenanthrine Group :

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Thebaine

B). Isoquinoline Group :

• Papaverine
• Narcotine
• Narceine
  

(02). Derived Or, Semi synthetic :

   A). Phenanthrine group :

• Benzyl morphine
• Oxy morphine
• Hydro morphine
• Dehydro morphine
• Diacetyl morphine

     B). Isoquinoline Group :

• Nalorphine
• Hydrocedone bitartrate

 

(03). Synthetic :

     A). Phenanthrine Group :

• Pathidine
• Hydroxy pathidine
• Methadone
• Isomethadone

 

   B). Isoquinoline Group :

• Alfa methadol
• Acetyl methadol
• Levorphanol tartrate

 

• Method of obtaining opium :

The opium poppy is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, specifically in the area known as the Fertile Crescent, which includes present-day Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. From there, its cultivation spread to other regions of Asia, including India and China, where it became an integral part of traditional medicine and cultural practices.

The primary source of opium is the latex or sap obtained from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant. The plant produces this milky fluid when incisions are made on its unripe seed pods. These incisions allow the latex to ooze out, which is then collected and left to dry. Once dried, the latex forms a brownish-black, sticky substance known as raw opium.

Opium cultivation requires specific environmental conditions, including temperate climates with well-drained soil and moderate rainfall. Consequently, regions such as the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) in Southeast Asia and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) in Central Asia have historically been significant opium-producing areas due to their suitable climate and terrain.

The collection of involves a labor-intensive process traditionally carried out by hand. Farmers carefully make shallow incisions on the surface of the poppy seed pods using specialized tools. The latex exudes slowly and is then scraped off with a curved knife or collected using a small spatula. This process requires precision and expertise to ensure maximum yield without damaging the plant.

Despite efforts to regulate its production and combat illegal trafficking, cultivation remains a contentious issue due to its association with organized crime, drug abuse, and social instability in many parts of the world. Thus, understanding the origin, source, and collection of  is crucial for addressing the complex socio-economic and public health challenges associated with its production and consumption.