California Poppy Research Summary

Alkaloid Analysis and Identification

Research has been conducted on the pavinane alkaloids present in the Eschscholtzia species, including the California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 23 alkaloids were identified, among which O-Methylneocaryachine was discovered in a natural source for the first time.

Genetic Markers and Invasion Study

New microsatellite markers were developed for the invasive California poppy in Chile. Out of 14 loci, eight were polymorphic. These markers are instrumental in studying population expansion and invasion processes.

Serotonin Receptor Interaction

California poppy extracts were found to interact with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A and 5-HT7). Notably, the compound N-methyllaurotetanine demonstrated significant inhibition of the 5-HT1A receptor, which may partially explain the sedative effects of the plant.

Alkaloid Characterization from Cell Cultures

Three new benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids and two new dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids were isolated from cell cultures of the California poppy. The study also proposed a biosynthesis pathway for the alkaloid macarpine.

Flower Color Inheritance

The inheritance of flower color in the California poppy was studied, revealing mutations that affected both petal and pollen color and were pleiotropic and co-inherited.

Metabolism and Toxicological Detection

The metabolism of californine and protopine alkaloids from Eschscholtzia californica was investigated, leading to the development of a toxicological analysis procedure for detecting main metabolites in rat urine.

Extracts' Effects on Catecholamine Metabolism

Extracts from the California poppy inhibited the breakdown of catecholamines and the production of adrenaline, while also inhibiting dopamine beta-hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B).

Anxiety Treatment Trial

A neurotonic containing Eschscholtzia californica extracts and magnesium showed greater efficacy than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders, with a favorable risk/benefit ratio.

Traditional Use and Sedative Effects

The traditional use of California poppy for pain relief and sedation was validated in studies showing sedative properties at certain doses and anxiolytic effects at lower doses in mice.

Therapeutic Properties Evaluation

An alcohol-water extract of the California poppy was evaluated, confirming sedative and anxiolytic effects that were blocked by a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist and peripheral analgesic effects.

Enzyme Inhibition Potential

Fourteen isoquinoline alkaloids were extracted from the California poppy, with two compounds showing significant inhibitory activity against human plasma butyrylcholinesterase (HuBuChE), suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

References:

1. Identification of pavinane alkaloids in the genera Argemone and Eschscholzia by GC-MS
2. Characterization of novel microsatellite markers for Eschscholzia californica (Papaveraceae), an invasive species in central Chile
3. Alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica and their capacity to inhibit binding of [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin to 5-HT1A receptors in Vitro
4. New hydroxylated benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids from Eschscholtzia californica cell suspension cultures
5. Inheritance and epistasis of loci influencing carotenoid content in petal and pollen color variants of california Poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.)
6. Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the Eschscholtzia californica alkaloids californine and protopine in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
7. Modulation of key reactions of the catecholamine metabolism by extracts from Eschscholtzia californica and Corydalis cava
8. Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders
9. Behavioural effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties
10. Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae)
11. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory compounds from Eschscholzia californica (Papaveraceae)