title: Papaver somniferum L. var. album D.C. cultivated in Sicily: phytochemical investigation and use.
abstract: The authors evaluated the vegetative growth and alkaloid content of the Papaver somniferum L. var. album D.C. capsules cultivated in Assoro (Enna) Sicily, in relation to the geographical position, environmental conditions and soil type. Gas chromatography revealed low alkaloid opiate producing capacity which makes cultivation for therapeutic and toxicologic purposes uneconomic. On the contrary, the elevated production of capsules containing numerous seeds justifies its cultivation for extraction of oil for the food industry and paint production. The results suggest that the cultivation of Papaver somniferum studied is used for baking traditional cakes and bread.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Farmacognosia, Università di Catania, Italia.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Attaguile
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barbagallo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Savoca
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000032:analysis; D009020:Morphine / Q000032:analysis; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000254:growth & development; D012802:Sicily
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D009020:Morphine