Poppy Seed Research Articles

Can repellent crops reduce the abundance of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) as a way to reduce crop damage?

The common vole is one of the most damaging rodents in agriculture. A number of methods are used to suppress its numbers and limit damage. One option is growing crops that are not suitable for voles; this might limit their numbers and distribution. Through long-term monitoring of common voles throughout the Czech Republic, their abundance in eleven crop types (annual, biennial and perennial crops) was evaluated through active burrow counts. Reference crops were selected from perennials and biennials and annual crops were selected as potential repellents. The perennial crops were clover with alfalfa, which serve as the primary habitat for voles. These crops are where voles are found in their highest densities, and from which they spread to the surrounding crops during periods of high abundance. The biennial winter rape was selected because it provides favourable conditions for voles to overwinter and multiply rapidly in the spring. Compared to perennial crops and winter rape, significantly lower numbers of voles were found in onions, poppy seeds and maize. Additionally, fewer voles were also found in mustard compared to perennial crops. Onion and poppy were the only crops to show a significantly lower abundance of voles in comparison to wheat. The annual crops tested are unattractive to voles and due to the cultivation practices used, they do not even have enough weeds as food. As profitable crops they can be cultivated over sufficiently large areas to potentially prevent the spread of voles to surrounding crops, especially during outbreak years.

Reviving the poppy seed test for the diagnosis of colovesical fistula: A case report from a single rural center experience.

The poppy seed test is a valuable, cost-effective, and sensitive initial diagnostic investigation to identify the presence of colovesical fistula, particularly for clinicians in remote or rural areas with lack of access to specialist radiologic, endoscopic, surgical, or urological support. The poppy seed test therefore may act as a bridge toward the commencement of appropriate referral pathways for the management of colovesical fistula. The diagnosis of colovesical fistula is resource intensive, often requiring a combination of radiological investigation and endoscopy. The poppy seed test is a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative that has been demonstrated to identify presence of colovesical fistula with high sensitivity. There is however a noticeable paucity of recommendations for the poppy seed test in the diagnostic approach to colovesical fistula due to significant advancements in alternative radiologic and endoscopic technologies. Despite this, in resource-challenged areas with lack of specialist support, the poppy seed test is a cost-effective, accessible and safe test that can be performed to confirm the presence of colovesical fistula. We report a case of a 79-year-old man with a past history of colorectal cancer managed surgically with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy who develops noisy micturition, pneumaturia, and fecaluria 22 years after treatment. Given the suspicion of colovesical fistula, computed tomography imaging and cystoscopy were performed which was unable to demonstrate an overt fistula. The poppy seed test was utilized and demonstrated presence of poppy seeds in the urine, confirming the presence of a fistula. The patient was referred to a specialist surgical center for consideration of further management. The poppy seed test is a valuable initial diagnostic investigation for clinicians in remote or rural areas with lack of access to specialist radiologic, endoscopic, surgical, or urological support in confirming the presence of a colovesical fistula and initiating referral pathways for the management of this condition.

Determination of Opium Alkaloid Content in Poppy Seeds Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with a Mass Spectrometer with a Time-of-Flight Analyzer (UPLC-TOF-HRMS).

Opium poppy is a plant used in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. Substances found on the surface of dry poppy seeds belong to the group of opium alkaloids. However, the presence of these substances in food products poses a risk to consumer health, which is why new permissible levels for both substances in poppy seeds and derivative products have been introduced in Regulation (EU) 2023/915. This research aimed to analyze the content of all six opium alkaloids in poppy seeds provided directly by producers as well as those available on the local market in Poland. The research confirmed the presence of morphine in all examined poppy seed samples. The alkaloid content ranged from 12.46 to 102.86 mg/kg for seeds purchased in local markets and from 1.1 to 110.1 mg/kg for seeds obtained directly from producers. Both groups showed similar levels of morphine content as well as other OAs, which significantly exceeded the permissible limit of 20 mg/kg set by the European Commission (EU) 2023/915. These results indicate that the presence of morphine and other opium alkaloids in poppy seeds exceeds permissible levels, posing a serious health issue and necessitating further research and improvement in processing methods.

Utilization of opium poppy seed oil for biodiesel production: A parametric characterization and statistical optimization

Consuming traditional petroleum-derived diesel fuel has long been associated with issues such as the depletion of natural energy resources. To solve these challenges, an alternate source like as biodiesel is an appealing option. Seed oils have long been recognized as an abundant and diverse source of biodiesel. In this study, poppy seed oil from the poppy (Papaver somniferum) was investigated for biodiesel production. Poppy seed biodiesel was generated and refined using acid-pretreated esterification with sulphuric acid prior to transesterification, as well as single-step alkaline catalyzed transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Finally, the percentage yield was compared. Using Statistica, the Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize process variables like time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and methanol-oil ratio to produce maximum yield. The relationship of process variables was also shown with the help of the Response Surface Methodology. A maximum yield of 94.87 % was obtained at optimized conditions, i.e., 90min reaction time, 60 °C of temperature, 0.25 mg of catalyst concentration, and 3v/v% alcohol-oil ratio. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, such as acid value, moisture content, saponification value, iodine value, specific gravity, percentage of free fatty acids, refractive index, viscosity, boiling point, and peroxide value, were measured and compared with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 and European Standards (EN) 14214. Further results were studied and discussed using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) analysis, which showed maximum similarity of raw material to formed biodiesel. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify various fatty acid methyl esters. The results obtained were in accordance with various international standards for biodiesel fuel. Thus, poppy seeds can be used to obtain biodiesel.

Rapid, Low-Cost, and Portable Detection of Morphine and Codeine on Poppy Seeds via a Lateral Flow Immunoassay

Rapid, Low-Cost, and Portable Detection of Morphine and Codeine on Poppy Seeds via a Lateral Flow Immunoassay

Formulation and evaluation of herbal scrub soap

Scrubbing Soap are the agents which are use to remove the dead cell from skin, pigmentation and blackheads, white heads and make skin glowing, smooth, soft and healthy. Scrubbing soap can be directly applied onto the skin by gently massage is recommended on application of the scrubbing soap which helps to improve blood circulation and increase oxygen supply to all surface of the skin. Due to some environmental factors many people face some problem like pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Solution for this problem is use of scrubbing soap which consist ingredients which increases cleansing, softening, moisturizing, fairness of skin. In this preparation neem, tulsi and poppy seeds are use as main active ingredients. Other ingredients like glycerin base, essential oil and rose water, ritha powder, alovera, turmeric vitamin E are use in the formulation. Thus, the developed formulation can be used as an effective scrubbing soap for using it to bear a healthy and glowing skin. Ayurvedic cosmetics are also known as the herbal cosmetics the natural content in the herbs does not have any side effect on the human body most herbal supplement are based on several botanical ingredients with long histories of traditional or folk medicine usage. Among the numerous botonical ingredients available in the market today. Numerous chemical toxins microorganism present in the atmosphere may cause chemical infection and damage to skin cosmetics alone are not sufficient to take care of skin and body parts. Neem (Azadirachta indica) tree has attracted worldwide prominance owing to its wide range of medicinal properties, neem leaves and its constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit anti–inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract from neem leaves.

Poppy Seed Allergy: Molecular Diagnosis and Cross-Reactivity With Tree Nuts

BackgroundPoppy seed (PS) can be a cause of severe allergic reactions, especially in individuals with concurrent allergy to tree nuts and other seeds, but diagnostic criteria and sensitization patterns are lacking. ObjectiveTo assess the role of PS extract and individual allergens in diagnosing PS allergy and their cross-reactivities with tree nuts and buckwheat. MethodsOur retrospective study included 36 PS-sensitized patients; 10 with positive and 26 with a negative oral food challenge (OFC). We identified individual PS allergens and compared the diagnostic performance of sIgE to PS extract to its allergens. Cross-reactivities between PS and related allergens from other seeds was assessed by competitive ELISA. ResultsWe identified four novel PS allergens: Pap s 1 (vicilin), Pap s 1 (27-424) (α-hairpinin), Pap s 2 (legumin), and Pap s 3 (small hydrophilic seed protein). Positive OFC correlated with higher PS-sIgE levels and elevated sIgE levels for the PS allergens, except for Pap s 3. PS and α-hairpinin-sIgE effectively differentiated allergic from tolerant patients, with AUC values of 0.95 and 0.94. PS-sIgE >10.00 kUA/L exhibited 90% sensitivity and 73% specificity, while α-hairpinin -sIgE >2.60 kUA/L showed 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity. PS vicilin and legumin highly cross-reacted with hazelnut and buckwheat homologues, while α-hairpinin-sIgE cross-reacted with the related almond allergen. ConclusionsThis is the most extensive study on poppy seed allergy to date. Poppy seed and α-hairpinin-sIgE are highly sensitive indicators of clinical reactivity to poppy seeds, while vicilin and legumin-sIgE contribute to concurrent sensitization to hazelnut and buckwheat.

Investigating the effect of different grinding conditions and methods on the concentration of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds as a good reduction practice

In recent years, following intoxications and false positive drug tests for poppy seeds, dangerously high concentrations of opium alkaloids (OAs) have been found. For this reason, health authorities are demanding studies to establish effective practices to reduce OAs in these seeds. Grinding, a common culinary process for various recipes, has previously been associated with potential morphine degradation. However, these studies have not established effective grinding conditions to decrease the concentration of all main OAs. Furthermore, due to the large variation in OAs concentration that can occur even in the same bag, this can be a difficult task. In view of the above, this study aimed to evaluate for the first time the impact of different grinding types, varying grinding time or repetitions, to determine any degradation trends of the main OAs present in poppy seeds. As a result, it was obtained a notable 20% degradation of morphine in the second grinding with grinders where the oil content of the seeds is not released, hinting at oil’s protective role against morphine oxidation. Therefore, the choice of grinding method is crucial. However, while acknowledging this, relying solely on this method as a good practice for OAs reduction may be insufficient, as it seems to have minimal impact on other OAs with any of the tested methods and conditions.

Immune-boosting health blend: A combination of barnyard millet and sunflower seeds

Nutrients are crucial for develop growth and well-being, impacting cognitive function, immune strength, and physical development. Health mixes, rich in essential nutrients stand as innovative solutions to combat malnourishment, offering a convenient means to address nutritional deficiencies and promote the health of future generations. Millets, especially barnyard millet, stand out as rich sources of micronutrients, offering high nutritional value with minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus, aiding in various health benefits, despite the presence of anti-nutritional factors effectively mitigated through cooking.: This study aimed to develop a nutrient-rich health mix using unpolished barnyard millet (BM) while partially replacing it with sunflower seeds. The objectives include conducting sensory evaluation and analyzing the proximate composition of the selected variation. The health mix was develop by partially replacing sunflower seeds powder in six formulations with soaked and steam-cooked unpolished barnyard millet flour. Nutrient enrichment was achieved by adding green gram dal flour, skimmed milk powder, roasted almonds, and poppy seeds. Sensory evaluation involving 30 participants, rated on a 0-9 hedonic scale, guided the selection of a specific variation for subsequent analysis of its Proximate Composition. The application of soaking and steam cooking methods on barnyard millet-based health mixes resulted in nutrient-rich products with favorable sensory properties. Notably, the health mix variant BMH3 scored the highest in sensory evaluation, offering elevated levels of calories, protein, Carbohydrate, fiber, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The results affirm the success of developing a palatable and cost-effective value-added product. The nutrient-rich health mix, particularly variant BMH3, proves to be a successful and healthy option for consumers

Preparation of carbon nanoparticles constructed from seed Oils, physical characterizations and antifungal performance

Synthesis of carbon nanoparticles using a range of seed oils, including fenugreek seeds oil, pumpkin seeds oil, watermelon seeds oil, poppy seeds oil, and funnel seeds oil, employing combustion procedures for nano-scale production. XRD, TGA, SEM, and FTIR are characterization methods that are used to investigate the chemical and physical characteristics of these nanoparticles. With predicted antifungal activities of 48.6 and 44.5 mm against M. fructicola and B. cinerea, respectively, it was revealed that the poppy oil-derived synthetic carbon nanoparticles exhibited the greatest level of activity. Remarkably, carbon nanoparticles derived from poppy oil demonstrate notable antifungal activity, underlining their potential for a variety of applications.

Take precaution with choice of pastry: poppy seed-containing products cause significantly positive results in urine drug tests

Abstract Background Chronic pain management programs utilize urine drug testing to ensure patient compliance. Because treatment can be discontinued if diversion or misuse occurs, it is imperative to carefully interpret each urine drug screen, particularly with respect to potential interferences and exposure to opioid-containing foods. Poppy seeds, derived from the opium-producing poppy Papaver cominferum L., are used widely in food products. While the seeds themselves do not contain opiates, during the harvesting process, the seeds can be contaminated with poppy latex, which does contain numerous alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. Published guidelines suggest urinary codeine concentrations exceeding 300 ng/mL, together with a morphine-to-codeine ratio <2, were most consistent with codeine use, effectively ruling out poppy seed ingestion. Methods To assess the validity of these guidelines, we performed an internal quality improvement project, which consisted of 15 participants split into three groups. Each group consumed one of three different poppy seed-containing food products (i.e., poppy seed muffin, poppy seed bagel, or poppy seed roll). Participants collected urine samples midstream at baseline and at 3, 6, and 24 hr after ingestion. Opiates in urine were qualitatively detected via immunoassay (Beckman Coulter AU 680) and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results For the group of participants that ingested a poppy seed roll, which contains a thick paste made from poppy seeds, all urine specimens at all time points had positive opiate immunoassay results, while the group of participants that ingested a poppy seed muffin had positive immunoassay results only at the 3- and 6-hr time-points. In contrast, all but one participant for all time points after consumption of a poppy seed bagel had negative immunoassay results. Codeine and metabolites were observed in all three groups; however, codeine concentrations were significantly higher after ingestion of a muffin or a roll, notably resulting in levels well above 1,000 ng/mL and 10,000 ng/mL of codeine and codeine-6-glucuronide, respectively. Codeine:morphine ratios ranged from 100 to 250:1 in poppy seed muffin and roll groups at 3- and 6-hour time points. There was significant variability in urine opiate concentrations among all participants in each group at each time-point. Conclusions Although urine opiate concentrations vary due to the metabolism of the individual as well as the origin, processing, and preparation of the poppy seed product, it is clear that previously established guidelines for interpreting urine codeine concentrations may no longer be appropriate to rule out poppy seed ingestion. When evaluating urine drug test results for chronic pain management, providers should interpret results with caution and ultimately recommend that patients generally avoid poppy seed products to prevent the risk of care mismanagement.

Comparison of direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry, atmospheric solids analysis probe-mass spectrometry, and ion mobility spectrometry for ensuring food safety by rapid screening of poppy seeds.

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a global commercial crop that has been historically valued for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Naturally occurring opium alkaloids including morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, and papaverine are found primarily in the latex produced by the plant. If the plant is allowed to fully mature, poppy seeds that do not contain the opium alkaloids will form within the pods and may be used in the food industry. It is possible for the seeds to become contaminated with alkaloids by the latex during harvesting, posing a potential health risk for consumers. In the USA, there have been more than 600 reported adverse events including 19 fatalities that may be linked to the consumption of a contaminated poppy-containing product such as home-brewed poppy seed tea. Unwashed poppy seeds and pods may be purchased over the Internet and shipped worldwide. The Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has evaluated several mass spectrometers (MS) capable of rapid screening to be used for high-throughput analysis of samples such as poppy seeds. These include a direct analysis in real-time (DART) ambient ionization source coupled to a single-quadrupole MS, an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) ionization source coupled to the same MS, and ion mobility spectrometers (IMS). These instruments have been used to analyze 17 poppy seed samples for the presence of alkaloids, and the results were compared to data obtained using liquid chromatography with mass spectral detection (LC-MS/MS). Results from the 17 poppy seed samples indicate that the DART-MS, ASAP-MS, and IMS devices detect many of the same alkaloids confirmed during the LC-MS/MS analyses, although both the false-positive and false-negative rates are higher, possibly due to the non-homogeneity of the samples and the lack of chromatographic separation.

Design and Optimisation of Sustainable Sample Treatments Based on Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Strong Cation-Exchange Purification with Functionalised SBA-15 for Opium Alkaloids in Ground Poppy Seeds.

An analysis methodology was optimised and validated for the quantification of opium alkaloids (OAs) in ground poppy seeds. This involved ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification before analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-MS/MS). UAE was optimised through the design of experiments with three factors and a three-level full factorial design. For SPE optimisation, a commercial material was compared with a previously synthesised material of SBA-15 silica functionalised with sulfonic groups (SBA-15-SO3-). The synthesised material demonstrated superior efficiency with only 25 mg and proved to be reusable for up to four cycles. The methodology was properly validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, and selectivity. Matrix effects were negligible; adequate recovery values (85-100%) and inter-day and intra-day precision (≤15%) were obtained. The greenness of the method was evaluated with the AGREEprep metric scale, being more environmentally friendly compared to OA analysis methods. Finally, the method was applied to different samples of ground poppy seeds and revealed a concentration of 140 mg/kg of morphine equivalents in one of the samples, surpassing the legislatively established limits by sevenfold. This highlights the need to analyse these types of samples to mitigate potential public health issues.

Comparative Study of efficacy of various solvent systems in extraction of morphine from viscera

Morphine, the main alkaloid of opium, was first obtained from poppy seeds in 1805. It is a potent analgesic, though its use is limited due to tolerance, withdrawal, and the risk of abuse. Morphine is still routinely used today, though there are a number of semi-synthetic opioids of varying strength such as codeine, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, and oxycodone. Morphine is used for the management of chronic, moderate to severe pain. Opioids, including morphine, are effective for the short term management of pain. Patients taking opioids long term may need to be monitored for the development of physical dependence, addiction disorder, and drug abuse.

B-323 Urinary Thebaine Improves Opioid Interpretation in Pain Management

Abstract Background Poppy seed from Papaver somniferum plant is used in bakery results in positive urine test for Morphine and Codeine up to 48 h. This leads to prescription compliance failure in the setting of clinical pain management. To mitigate misinterpretation, Thebaine testing was introduced to confirmatory opioid panel. Thebaine is naturally found in poppy seeds but not in prescription opiate formularies. A positive Thebaine result helps identify poppy seed consumption rather than from opioid prescription abuse. Method Each of the seven healthy adult volunteers (age 20–50) consumed one poppy seed filled kolache. Urine samples were then collected from each person at pre and post-consumed time points at 2, 4, and 24 h. All samples were screened on Abbott Architect c16000 immunoassay (Abbott Park, IL) for opioids at 300 ng/mL cutoff. The samples were quantitated using ThermoFisher Vanquish Quantis LC-MS/MS (Waltham, MA) for Codeine, Morphine, and Thebaine at AMR 10–500 ng/mL, 10–500 ng/mL, and 5–250 ng/mL, respectively. Data acquisition/analyses were performed on TraceFinder software. The deuterated internal standards were purchased from Cerilliant Corporation (Round Rock, TX). All samples met calibrators and quality controls quality criteria. Results All post-consumption immunoassay results were positive for opioid. All LC-MS/MS positive results showed various levels of Codeine, Morphine, and Thebaine at 230–4300 ng/mL, 9–290 ng/mL, and 5–210 ng/mL, respectively (Fig. 1).Fig. 1. Conclusion Poppy seed consumption results in positive opioid class by immunoassay and positives Codeine, Morphine by LC-MS/MS. Detection of Thebaine in these samples would enable accurate clinical interpretation for poppy seed dieters and abusers of Codeine and Morphine prescription.

Toxicokinetics of thebaine in those consuming non-food grade poppy seeds as a tea

Introduction Thebaine is an alkaloid in poppy seeds that is neurotoxic to animals. Data on its clinical effects and toxicokinetics in people are minimal. In 2022, poppy seeds high in thebaine entered the Australian food market, and people consuming tea made from these poppy seeds developed poisoning. Methods Three patients who drank poppy seed tea and developed neuromuscular toxicity consented for thebaine to be quantitated in serial blood samples. Blood samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results Case 1: A man in his 60s presented with drowsiness, vomiting, malaise and myoclonus. He developed metabolic acidosis with hyperlactataemia, acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis, convulsions, rhabdomyolysis, and was in the hospital for 18 days. The admission thebaine blood concentration was 2.1 mg/L, and the apparent elimination half-life was 14.8 h. Case 2: A man in his 30s presented with myoclonus, rigidity, vomiting, and dizziness. He developed metabolic acidosis with hyperlactataemia, acute kidney injury, and myalgias. The admission thebaine blood concentration was 4.1 mg/L, and the apparent elimination half-life was 11.6 h. Case 3: A man in his 30s presented with myoclonus, rigidity, clonus, diaphoresis, and abdominal pain. The admission thebaine blood concentration was 2.2 mg/L, and the apparent elimination half-life was 8.3 h. Discussion Neuromuscular toxicity, metabolic acidosis with hyperlactataemia, acute kidney injury, and gastrointestinal symptoms were prominent clinical features in these patients after drinking poppy seed tea. Effects persisted for days, and all survived, despite thebaine concentrations far exceeding those in published forensic reports, although human data are sparse. Compared to rats, the thebaine apparent elimination half-life is much longer in humans who develop symptoms at lower concentrations. Conclusions Despite relatively high thebaine blood concentrations and moderate to severe poisoning, outcomes were favourable with early presentations. It is possible that acute kidney injury prolongs the apparent elimination half-life of thebaine.

A cluster of acute thebaine poisonings from non-food grade poppy seeds in the Australian food supply

Introduction Poppy seed tea is used for its opioid effects and contains multiple opium alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, papaverine, and thebaine. Animal studies indicate thebaine has strychnine-like properties, but there is limited literature describing human thebaine poisoning. We describe a cluster of acute thebaine poisoning in people ingesting tea made using poppy seeds with high thebaine content that entered the Australian food supply chain. Methods This is an observational study of patients poisoned after drinking poppy seed tea. Cases were identified by three prospective toxicovigilance systems: the Emerging Drug Network of Australia collaboration, the New South Wales Prescription, Recreational and Illicit Substance Evaluation program, and the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia Victoria study. We report characteristics of clinical toxicity in cases with reported ingestion of poppy seed tea and analytical confirmation of thebaine exposure. Results Forty cases presenting with multi-system toxicity following poppy seed tea ingestion were identified across seven Australian states/territories from November 2022 to January 2023. Blood testing in 23 cases confirmed high thebaine concentrations. All 23 were male (median age 35, range 16–71 years). All patients experienced muscle spasms. Rigidity was described in nine, convulsions in six, while rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and metabolic acidosis occurred in five patients. There were two cardiac arrests. The thebaine median admission blood concentration was 1.6 mg/L, with a range of 0.1–5.6 mg/L, and was the dominant opium alkaloid in all samples. Convulsions, acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac arrest were associated with increasing median thebaine concentrations. Four patients were managed in the Intensive Care Unit, with two receiving continuous kidney replacement therapy (one also received intermittent haemodialysis) for kidney injury. There was one death. Conclusions Thebaine toxicity, like strychnine poisoning, resulted in neuromuscular excitation characterized by muscle spasm, rigidity, and convulsions. Severe toxicity, including acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac arrest, appears dose-dependent.

Partially defatted rather than native poppy seeds beneficially alter lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet

Partially defatted poppy seeds, a by-product of poppy oil cold pressing, could be an interesting dietary supplement for obesity management. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with a small amount of native or partially defatted poppy seeds on gastrointestinal function and lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet. The defatted poppy seeds had, among others, lower fat content and higher fibre and protein content than native poppy seeds. The rats fed with a high-fat diet were characterised by severe metabolic disorders, especially in the liver, and poppy seeds were unable to prevent them. However, depending on the seed form, dietary supplementation with poppy seeds differentially affected the microbial and endogenous lipid metabolism in rats. In the distal intestine, both dietary seed forms stimulated microbial acetate production, and the supplementation with partially defatted poppy seeds additionally inhibited isobutyrate and isovalerate formation, which indicates a reduction in putrefaction. Both dietary seed forms increased cholesterol accumulation in the liver. Only dietary supplementation with partially defatted poppy seeds attenuated visceral fat and hepatic triglyceride accumulations and lowered blood triglyceride concentrations, and at the transcriptional level, the inhibition of SREBP-1c, which upregulates genes responsible for de novo lipogenesis, was additionally observed in this organ. In conclusion, a low and regular consumption of partially defatted poppy seeds may be beneficial in managing obesity-related disorders.

Influence of fermentation and storage on the content of opium alkaloids in poppy seed yoghurt

There is a current trend to make yoghurts with seeds such as poppy seeds to enhance their nutritional benefits. These seeds may be contaminated with opium alkaloids (OAs) present in the own latex of the plant (Papaver somniferum L.). Food processing such as heat treatment, grinding or washing may reduce them, but lactic fermentation has not been studied. In this work, an analytical methodology was optimised based on a solid-liquid extraction (SLE) with water, a purification by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) with a mesostructured silica magnetic composite with β-cyclodextrin (Fe3O4 @SiO2 @mSiO2 @β-CD) and subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass detector (HPLC-MS/MS). The methodology was successfully validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, matrix effect, precision, recovery tests, and selectivity. Therefore, it was applied to determine OAs in commercial yoghurts, detecting morphine, papaverine and noscapine in all of them but below the limit of quantification. Besides, the effect of fermentation was studied (6 and 18 h) and storage (1 week/ 4ºC), showing a considerable degradation effect (33–80%) in the first hours.

Poppy Seeds Signal Limitations of Urine Drug Testing Protocols

Appropriate care for patients with chronic pain is complex, requiring a thoughtful and holistic approach to pharmacologic intervention, as well as appropriate monitoring when opioids are employed as part of a multimodal regimen. The urine drug test has become an expected standard when longterm opioids are prescribed, but it should be remembered that this test is not intended to be punitive. It is ordered to promote patient safety (Dowell et al., 2022). Recent literature and events surrounding the effect of poppy seeds on urine drug test results have drawn attention to the risks of misinterpreting this test (Bloch, 2023; Lewis et al., 2021; Reisfield et al., 2023; Temple, 2023). Misinterpretation of urine drug tests creates a potential for unfounded accusations from health care workers toward patients, thus, undermining therapeutic relationships and intensifying stigma. Such circumstances may also preclude chances to offer patients needed interventions. Therefore, a valuable opportunity exists for nurses to mitigate untoward consequences by developing a robust understanding of urine drug testing, destigmatizing chronic pain and opioid use, advocating for patients, and enacting change at both an individual and a systems-level.