Which alkaloid is found in the opium poppy?

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the primary source of several well-known alkaloids, two of which are morphine and codeine. Morphine is one of the most significant alkaloids derived from the opium poppy, known for its strong analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It acts directly on the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain, making it an important medication in both clinical and medicinal contexts.

While codeine is also found in opium poppy and has similar yet milder effects compared to morphine, the question specifically asks for an alkaloid most prominently associated with the plant, which is morphine given its historical and current significance in medicine.

Quinine, derived from the cinchona tree, and caffeine, found in various plants like coffee beans and tea leaves, do not originate from the opium poppy, thereby ruling them out as options when directly referencing alkaloids specifically linked to Papaver somniferum.