Review of poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is a member of the papaveraceae family. It is indigenus of south east of Europe and Asia. It is cultivated in over the world and there is not any wild type of this specie. Until now more than 40 different alkaloids have been known in this species which the most important ones are Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine, and Noscapine. Alkaloids are affected with genetical characteristics and environmental conditions. The most important application of papaver alkaloids is due to their analgesic properties. Total import of poppy alkaloids to the Great Britain and United States was 87 MT (based on CPS) in 1998. In this paper we review poppy at the view of agriculture, alkaloids biosynthesis and pathways.