California Poppy
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California Poppy. Mild sedative with anxiolytic and analgesic activity.
How it works. Protopine alkaloids enhance GABA binding and inhibit monoamine oxidase weakly.
What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves sleep onset latency (limited).
How much to take. Typical dose: 80–320 mg extract.
Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.
Stacking. Pairs well with Magnesium glycinate, L-theanine.
Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.
Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.
Community. Experiences from people who have tried California Poppy. Anecdotes are not medical advice.
California Poppy. Mild sedative with anxiolytic and analgesic activity.
What it is
Mild sedative with anxiolytic and analgesic activity.
Also called
Food sources
Goals
How it works
Protopine alkaloids enhance GABA binding and inhibit monoamine oxidase weakly.
Pathways
- Protopine alkaloids enhance GABA binding
- inhibit monoamine oxidase weakly
Effects
- +sleep onset latency supports
What the research supports
Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.
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Side effects & interactions
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
Medication interactions
Always disclose California Poppy use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.
Combines with
Pairs well
- Magnesium glycinateComplementary GABAergic calming and improved sleep architecture.
- L-theanineReduces sleep latency without sedation.
Common forms
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
Key studies
8 studies cited in total.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching California Poppy and "Improves sleep onset latency". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching California Poppy and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching California Poppy and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Discussion
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