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

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

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

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

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

• Thebaine
• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone

Oripavine

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  Diagram of bridged oripavine structure
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  Pathway of morphine biosynthesis
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  Caviar served at Bob Bob Ricard, Soho, London