Related Terms

• Alkaloids, anthocyanins, astragaline, coptisine, depsides, field poppy, Flanders poppy, flavonoids, glaudine, glycosides, hyperoside, hypolaetin, isocorydine, isoquercitrine, kaempferol, luteolin, Papaveraceae (family), Papaver rhoeas, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, red corn poppy, red poppy, rhoeadine, stylopine, wild poppy.

Background

• Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is well known for its showy red flowers and should not be confused with the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). In the Mediterranean, corn poppy greens are eaten as a vegetable.

• Corn poppy extracts may reduce morphine withdrawal symptoms. However, there is insufficient available evidence in humans to support the use of corn poppy for any indication. Corn poppy may have iron-chelating activities and should be used cautiously in patients undergoing chelation therapy, or with thalassemia or anemia.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antioxidant, chelating agent (heavy metals), food uses, gastric ulcers, morphine withdrawal, sedative.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for corn poppy in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for corn poppy in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to corn poppy. Corn poppy flowers may cause hives in allergic individuals.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Corn poppy is likely safe when the leaves, petals, and seeds are used in food amounts.

• There is little information currently available about the adverse effects associated with corn poppy. However, there have been reports of contact urticaria (hives) due to the flowers.

• Use cautiously in patients undergoing chelation therapy, with thalassemia (blood disorders), or with anemia (red blood cell deficiency), as corn poppy may have iron-chelating activities.

• Use cautiously in patients taking sedatives, as corn poppy may cause drowsiness.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Corn poppy is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Corn poppy may have antioxidant properties.

• Corn poppy root may have potent antiulcerogenic effects. Use cautiously with anti-ulcer medications due to possible additive effects.

• Corn poppy greens may possess iron-chelating activities. Use cautiously with heavy metal antagonists, chelating agents, and iron salts.

• Corn poppy extracts may decrease morphine withdrawal symptoms.

• Corn poppy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbituates such as Phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Corn poppy may have antioxidant properties.

• Corn poppy root may have potent antiulcerogenic effects. Use cautiously with anti-ulcer herbs and supplements due to possible additive effects.

• Corn poppy greens may possess iron-chelating activities. Use cautiously with heavy metal antagonists, chelating agents, and iron supplements.

• Corn poppy extracts may decrease morphine withdrawal symptoms.

• Corn poppy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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