Corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas L.: a critical review of its botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract

Papaver rhoeas L. (Papaveraceae), commonly known as corn poppy, is a cosmopolitan weed and edible plant capable of possessing biological properties, thus positive correlating with human health. The plant is also known as field poppy, flanders poppy or shirley poppy. It can be consumed raw or cooked, and has been traditionally used to treat nervousness, insomnia, digestive and respiratory disorders, baldness, eye infections, as well as measles treatment. This paper is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of corn poppy by providing a critical review of the botanic characteristics, the traditional uses, the plant chemistry and pharmacology.