Involved in biosynthesis of morphinan-type benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Catalyzes specifically the stereospecific conversion of salutaridine to salutaridinol. (7S)-salutaridinol + NADP(+) = H(+) + NADPH + salutaridine Strong substrate inhibition (PubMed:19648114). Was thought to be due to mutually exclusive productive and non-productive modes of substrate binding in the active site (PubMed:19648114). Alternatively, SALR may undergo significant conformational changes during catalytic turnover (PubMed:21169353). Optimum pH is between 5.5 and 6.0. Optimum temperature is between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. Alkaloid biosynthesis; morphine biosynthesis. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.