Q.55 Which one of the following drugs is obtained from the capsule of Papaver somniferum?
(A) Papain (B) Codeine (C) Digoxin (D) Bromelain
Codeine is the drug obtained from the capsule of Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, extracted from its latex containing alkaloids like morphine and codeine.
Question Breakdown
This GATE Life Sciences question tests pharmacognosy knowledge of plant-derived drugs. Papaver somniferum capsules (seed pods) produce opium latex rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, harvested by scoring unripe capsules.
Option Analysis
(A) Papain
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme from papaya fruit (Carica papaya), used in meat tenderizing and digestion aids; unrelated to poppy capsules.
(B) Codeine
Correct. Codeine (methylmorphine) occurs naturally in opium (0.5-3% of latex), extracted from Papaver somniferum capsules for cough suppression and pain relief.
(C) Digoxin
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside from foxglove leaves (Digitalis purpurea/lanata), used for heart conditions; no poppy connection.
(D) Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes from pineapple stem/fruit (Ananas comosus), anti-inflammatory; plant source mismatch.
Drugs obtained from capsule Papaver somniferum include codeine and morphine from opium latex, key in pharmaceuticals and pharmacognosy studies.
Opium Alkaloid Extraction
Unripe capsules are incised to collect latex, dried into raw opium containing 8-14% morphine, 0.5-3% codeine, plus thebaine, papaverine. Codeine is semi-synthesized from morphine or directly isolated for analgesics.
Source Comparison Table
| Option | Source Plant | Drug Type | From Poppy Capsule? |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) Papain | Carica papaya (fruit) | Protease enzyme | No |
| (B) Codeine | Papaver somniferum (capsule latex) | Opioid alkaloid | Yes |
| (C) Digoxin | Digitalis purpurea (leaves) | Cardiac glycoside | No |
| (D) Bromelain | Ananas comosus (stem/fruit) | Protease enzymes | No |
GATE Exam Relevance
Common XL-Pharmacology PYQ testing plant drug sources. Memorize: Opium poppy → morphine/codeine; Papaya → papain; Pineapple → bromelain; Foxglove → digoxin.
