**1. Introduction**

Opium alkaloids are products obtained from the mature capsules of *Papaver somniferum L.* plant in natural way or in laboratory. Although the maintenance of *Papaver somniferum L.* is very easy, obtaining opium alkaloids naturally requires a process. Maturation of capsules occurs in May or June. First, the mature capsules are incised several times to allow the latex to flow. The exposed white latex turns brown with the effect of air. The thickened and solidified latex is collected the next day, dried under suitable conditions and made ready for use [1]. The natural way of extracting opium alkaloids for medical purposes is dried capsules [2]. The main opium alkaloids found in raw *Papaver somniferum L.* and some information are summarized in **Table 1**.
