What is the main ingredient in opium that is commonly used in medicine?

The main ingredient in opium used in medicine is morphine. Morphine is an opiate derived directly from opium poppy and is one of the most effective analgesics available, primarily used for pain relief. It works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which block pain signals and produce feelings of euphoria. Due to its potency and effectiveness, morphine has been widely utilized in medical settings for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, especially in cases involving surgery, injury, or serious illness.

Other substances mentioned, while also related to pain management, do not serve as the primary ingredient in opium. For example, hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine, and codeine is another compound extracted from opium but is less potent than morphine. Cocaine, though a well-known substance with medicinal uses, does not come from opium and instead is derived from coca leaves, serving different purposes, predominantly as a local anesthetic. Understanding morphine’s role in relation to opium highlights its importance in the context of pharmacology and medicinal use.