What does papaverine mean?
Papaverine is a naturally occurring alkaloid associated with poppy plants and used in medicine as a vasodilator and smooth-muscle relaxant. It works by affecting smooth muscle and can therefore help widen blood vessels and relieve certain muscular spasms. In clinical use, it may be prescribed for vascular problems or gastrointestinal and urinary-tract conditions, depending on the formulation and country. Papaverine is chemically and pharmacologically distinct from opioids such as morphine, despite its association with the poppy plant. The name comes from the botanical genus Papaver, the Latin word associated with the poppy, together with the chemical suffix '-ine'. Its medical value lies in its ability to relax vascular and other smooth muscle, although dosage, contraindications, and regulatory status depend on the specific preparation and jurisdiction.
nounPapaverine is an alkaloid obtained from poppy plants and used as a vasodilator and smooth-muscle relaxant, especially in treating certain vascular and gastrointestinal conditions. It is also known chemically as a papaverine alkaloid and is not the same substance as opium or morphine.
- A naturally occurring alkaloid from poppy plants, used medically as a vasodilator and smooth-muscle relaxant.
"The physician prescribed papaverine to help relax the patient's blood vessels."
"Papaverine was administered intravenously during the procedure."
"The drug's smooth-muscle-relaxing effects can be useful in treating certain spasms."
Named for the poppy, papaverine is a medical alkaloid that relaxes smooth muscle without acting as an opioid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does papaverine come from?
Papaverine is named from Papaver, the botanical genus that includes poppies, from the Latin papaver, meaning 'poppy'. The ending '-ine' was added in accordance with chemical nomenclature for an alkaloid or related nitrogen-containing substance. The name thus combines the plant source with the substance's chemical character.
How papaverine is actually used
Primarily used in medical and pharmacological contexts. The suffix '-ine' identifies it as an alkaloid or nitrogen-containing base, but it should not be confused with other poppy-derived substances such as morphine.