California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

RELATED TERMS

Eschscholzia californica, Papaveraceae (family).

BACKGROUND

Historically, California poppy has been used as a sedative to relieve insomnia and nervousness.

California poppy may bind with the same receptors as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Caution should be used in patients taking these agents.

There is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of California poppy for any indication.

Native Americans used California poppy medicinally.

EVIDENCE TABLE

Conditions

Uses disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.	Grade*
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

TRADITION

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Insomnia, nervousness, sedative.

DOSING

disclaimer: The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for California poppy in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for California poppy in children.

SAFETY

disclaimer: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

There are currently no high quality studies available on the medicinal applications of California poppy. California poppy is possibly unsafe when used in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

California poppy is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

INTERACTIONS

disclaimer: Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Although not well studied in humans, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) may interact with antidepressant agents, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Caution is advised in patients taking antidepressants.

California poppy may have hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking blood pressuring altering drugs.

California poppy may increase the amount drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan©) or diazepam (Valium©), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Although not well studied in humans, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) may interact with antidepressant herbs or supplements, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Caution is advised in patients taking herbs and supplements with possible antidepressant or MAOI effects such as 5-HTP, ephedra, hops, St. John's wort, and vitamin B6.

California poppy may have hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking blood pressure altering herbs or supplements. Herbs and supplements with hypotensive effects include black cohosh, flaxseed, garlic, ginger and ginkgo, among others.

California poppy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples may include: 5-HTP, celery, hops, lavender aromatherapy, sage, Siberian ginseng, and St. John's wort. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

ATTRIBUTION

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

• Gafner S, Dietz BM, McPhail KL, et al. 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. J Nat Prod 2006;69(3):432-435. View abstract
• Meolie AL, Rosen C, Kristo D, et al. Oral nonprescription treatment for insomnia: an evaluation of products with limited evidence. J Clin.Sleep Med 4-15-2005;1(2):173-187. View abstract

disclaimer: Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2011 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. disclaimer: While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. disclaimer: The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)