It grows in coastal habitats on shingle banks and beaches, but can also be found on cliff tops and in sand dunes.
It produces an orange foul smelling sap, if cut open. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic, and can cause a wide range of symptoms (if eaten), and respiratory failure, resulting in death.
Glaucine is the main alkaloid component in Glaucium flavum. Glaucine has bronchodilator and antiinflammatory effects, acting as a PDE4 inhibitor and calcium channel blocker, and is used medically as an antitussive in some countries. Glaucine may produce side effects such as sedation, fatigue, and a hallucinogenic effect characterised by colourful visual images, and as a recreational drug. For a detailed bibliography on glaucine and Glaucium flavum see: National Agricultural Library. (Glaucium flavum entry)
In the past, it was known in Hampshire, UK as 'squatmore', and the roots were used to treat bruises. Also pains in the breast, stomach and intestines.
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