Oripavine

Oripavine is a morphinan alkaloid that is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It is a natural product found in the Papaveraceae family of plants, including the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and the Iranian poppy (Papaver bracteatum).

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Oripavine is structurally related to morphine and codeine, but has a different molecular structure. It is a morphinan alkaloid, which means it contains a morphinan skeleton with an additional hydroxyl group at the 6 position. This hydroxyl group is crucial for the bioactivity of oripavine.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Oripavine has analgesic properties similar to those of other opioids. It acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which is the primary site of action for the most commonly used opioids. Oripavine also has a high affinity for the delta-opioid receptor and the kappa-opioid receptor, although its effects at these sites are less well understood.

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

Oripavine is used in the manufacture of a number of pharmaceuticals. It is a precursor in the synthesis of several semi-synthetic opioids, including buprenorphine, etorphine, and diprenorphine. These drugs are used for the treatment of pain, opioid dependence, and in veterinary medicine.

Legal status[edit | edit source]

In many countries, oripavine is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

See also[edit | edit source]

Oripavine Resources
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