Quick Navigation

Eschscholzia californica

California Poppy is an herb that has some bioactive alkaloids which may be nootropic or cognitive enhancing in nature; It is currently in the exploratory stages of research.

Our evidence-based analysis on eschscholzia californica features 11 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by .
Reviewed by
Examine.com Team
Last Updated:
NEW: Examine Personalized makes it easy to stay on top of the latest research

Summary of Eschscholzia californica

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

California Poppy is a common plant in North and South America that has some traditional usage as a sedative and anxiolytic when made as a tea. Two rat studies have observed sedatory and anxiolytic actions, and one human study showed some promise to this claim but conclusions cannot be drawn since it also used another herb in conjunction with California Poppy.

In the preliminary stages of research, the unique alkaloid profile of California Poppy appears to interact with a variety of receptors in potent ways. The vast majority of these leads have not been further investgiated, and conclusions (especially on Serotonin) cannot be drawn at this point in time.

Currently, California Poppy is too preliminary to support any supplemental usage.

Make sure you only take supplements that work

Examine.com bases all of its recommendations on published scientific research. We’re a trusted resource because we don’t sell or even advertise supplements.

If you’re tired of wasting time and money on supplements that don’t work, our 17 Supplement Guides will help you figure out precisely what to take — and what to skip — based on your health goals and the latest scientific evidence. There’s a reason why over 50,000 customers rely on Examine.com’s independent and unbiased analysis.

Includes free lifetime updates so you always have the most accurate information.


I want unbiased recommendations to improve my health »

How to Take

Medical Disclaimer

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

There is currently not enough evidence to support an optimal dose of California Poppy. The best bet may to simply make tea, which has been apparently used as an anxiolytic and sedative by some people.

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Also Known As

California Poppy

  • At least one study noted potent interactions with both CYP3A4 (a drug-metabolizing enzyme) and potent interaction with the Serotonin receptor; it would be prudent to avoid California Poppy if using pharmaceuticals

Tired of misinformation? Get unbiased info on supplements.

At Examine.com, our incentives line up with yours — getting unbiased information. It’s why we don’t sell any advertising or supplements.

Join over 250,000 people who’ve learned about effective versus overrated supplements, supplement buying tips, and how to combine supplements for safety and efficacy.

Research Breakdown on Eschscholzia californica

1Sources and Composition

1.1Composition

2Pharmacology

2.1Metabolism

2.2Enzymatic Interactions

3Neurology

3.1Anxiety

3.2Sedation

3.3Acetylcholine

3.4Serotonin

3.5Dopamine

3.6Adrenergic

3.7Histamine

3.8Adenosine

3.9Cannabinoids
Click here to see all 11 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 11 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Eschscholzia californica.

Examine.com is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only. Examine.com and its Editors do not advocate nutritional supplementation over proper medical advice or treatment and this sentiment will never be expressed through pages hosted under Examine.com. If using any pharmaceuticals or drugs given to you by a doctor or received with a prescription, you must consult with the doctor in question or an equally qualified Health Care Professional prior to using any nutritional supplementation. If undergoing medical therapies, then consult with your respective Therapist or Health Care Professional about possible interactions between your Treatment, any Pharmaceuticals or Drugs being given, and possible nutritional supplements or practices hosted on Examine.com.

Examine.com does not assume liability for any actions undertaken after visiting these pages, and does not assume liability if one misuses supplements. Examine.com and its Editors do not ensure that unforeseen side effects will not occur even at the proper dosages, and thereby does not assume liability for any side effects from supplements or practices hosted under the domain of Examine.com.

Supplements

Articles

Health Topics

NERD

Personalized

About

Never miss an update!

Your e-mail is safe with us. We don’t share personal data.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.