Abstract
Papaver bracteatum, native to Iran and southern Russia, has been grown successfully in many countries. Research in the northwest United States has confirmed the potential for its commercial production as a source of the alkaloid thebaine. Potential for the chemical conversion of thebaine into codeine, one of man’s most widely used alkaloidal medicinal agents, is reviewed. Economic and social advantages of growing this species over opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) are discussed. The value of the seed oil for cooking and industrial use is considered.
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Oregon State Univ. Agric. Exp. Sta. Tech. Paper No. 5790.
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Seddigh, M., Jolliff, G.D., Calhoun, W. et al. Papaver bracteatum, potential commercial source of codeine. Econ Bot 36, 433–441 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02862702
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02862702