Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
This monograph compiles 1 documented constituent, 3 pharmacological actions, 7 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 6 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Key Constituents
Pharmacological Actions
Mild analgesic (traditional use for pain)
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension - also supported by a double-blind RCT of a fixed California poppy + hawthorn (Crataegus) + magnesium combination in mild-to-moderate anxiety
Mild sedative / sleep support for insomnia (positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension - also supported by a double-blind RCT of a fixed California poppy + hawthorn (Crataegus) + magnesium combination in mild-to-moderate anxiety
more plants for anxiety →detailed sources →inferred from analgesic action
more plants for back pain →detailed sources →inferred from analgesic action
more plants for headache →detailed sources →Mild sedative / sleep support for insomnia (positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors)
more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension - also supported by a double-blind RCT of a fixed California poppy + hawthorn (Crataegus) + magnesium combination in mild-to-moderate anxiety
more plants for nervous tension →detailed sources →Mild analgesic (traditional use for pain)
more plants for pain (general) →detailed sources →inferred from anxiolytic action
more plants for stress →detailed sources →Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Has sedative activity: it can add to the effects of alcohol, sedatives and sleep medicines, so avoid combining and do not use before driving.
Alcoholic (ethanol) extracts inhibit or induce several cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6) and activate the pregnane X receptor, so there is a risk of herb-drug interactions; the water-based tea appears safer in this respect. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
References
REF-0806, REF-0807, REF-0808References & Sources
- Rolland, A., Fleurentin, J., Lanhers, M.C., Younos, C. et al (1991) 'Behavioural effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties', Planta Medica, 57(3), pp. 212-216. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960076 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-960076 - Rolland, A., Fleurentin, J., Lanhers, M.C., Misslin, R. and Mortier, F (2001) 'Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae)', Phytotherapy Research, 15(5), pp. 377-381. doi:10.1002/ptr.884 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.884 - Kalyniukova, A., Ahmed, S., Ak, G., Saka, E. et al (2025) 'Comprehensive Metabolomic Profiling and Biological Activity Analysis of Eschscholzia californica Extracts Using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS', Food Science & Nutrition, 13(9), pp. e70885. doi:10.1002/fsn3.70885 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70885 - Fedurco, M., Gregorova, J., Sebrlova, K., Kantorova, J., Pes, O., Baur, R., Sigel, E. and Taborska, E (2015) 'Modulatory Effects of Eschscholzia californica Alkaloids on Recombinant GABAA Receptors', Biochemistry Research International. doi:10.1155/2015/617620 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/617620 - Manda, V.K., Ibrahim, M.A., Dale, O.R., Kumarihamy, M., Cutler, S.J., Khan, I.A., Walker, L.A., Muhammad, I. and Khan, S.I (2016) 'Modulation of CYPs, P-gp, and PXR by Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) and Its Alkaloids', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0042-103689 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-103689 - Hanus, M., Lafon, J. and Mathieu, M (2004) 'Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders', Current Medical Research and Opinion, 20(1), pp. 63--71. doi:10.1185/030079903125002603 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1185/030079903125002603
Generated June 22, 2026 from omniasana.bio