California poppy extract
Botanical Source: Eschscholzia californica Cham
Plant Part Used: Whole herb
Specification: Alkaloids 0.6%,0.8% titration
Other Names: Amapola de California, Eschscholzia californica, Pavot d' Amérique,
Pavot d'Or, Pavot de Californie, Poppy California, Yellow Poppy.
 
Description:
It is a perennial or annual growing to 5-60 in (13-152 cm) tall, with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are alternately divided into round, lobed segments. Theflowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2 to 6 cm (0.79 to 2.36 in) long and broad; flower color ranges from yellow to orange, with flowering from February to September. The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning, although they may remain closed in cloudy weather. The fruit is a slender,dehiscent capsule 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to 3.5 in) long, which splits in two to release the numerous small black or dark brown seeds. It survives mild winters in its native range, dying completely in colder climates.
Dr. James Duke lists 298 known active constituents for California poppy including the antioxidants Rutin and Zeaxanthin, as well as appreciable amounts of the alkaloids Berberine and sanguinarine. It is a botanical with high concentrations of other alkaloids especially Protopine and Allocryptine which are known Soporifics."
Other active alkaloids include cryptopine, and chelidonine.
 
Functions:
California poppy leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans, and the pollen was used cosmetically. The seeds are used in cooking.
An aqueous extract of the plant has sedative and anxiolytic action. The extract acts as a mild sedative when smoked. The effect is far milder than that of opium. California poppy contains a different class of alkaloids: An aqueous alcohol extract of Eschscholzia californica has been evaluated for benzodiazepine, neuroleptic, antidepressant, antihistaminic and analgesic properties. The plant extract did not protect mice against the convulsant effects of pentylenetetrazol, and did not cause muscle relaxant effects, but appeared to possess an affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor. The extract induced peripheral analgesic effects in mice but did not possess antidepressant, neuroleptic or antihistaminic effects.
Anxiety. Developing research suggests California poppy, in combination withmagnesium and hawthorn, might be useful in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. This combination product, called Sympathyl, is not available in the US.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Aches.
Bed-wetting.
Diseases of the bladder.
Diseases of the liver.
 
Side effects & Safety:
California poppy appears to be safe for most people when taken appropriately bymouth for three months or less. There isn't enough information to know if California poppy is safe for longer term use.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of California poppy during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: California poppy can slow down the central nervous system, causing sleepiness and other effects. There is some concern that California poppy might slow down the central nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using California poppy at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
 
Dosing:
The appropriate dose of California poppy depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for California poppy. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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