Growth and Alkaloid Production of the Cultured Cells ofPapaver bracteatum

Callus cells were derived from seedlings of Papaver bracteatum Lindl. and maintained on agar media for more than 2 years. Liquid cultures have been established and maintained for more than 2 years and successful growth of considerable amounts of callus cells in suspension culture has been accomplished. The callus cells thus obtained were harvested, lyophilized and alkaloids were extracted. Alkaloids were also extracted from culture filtrates. Separation and identification of alkaloids was accomplished by TLC and GLC. The main alkaloids produced in the callus cells were identified by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry as l-stylopine and protopine. The production of thebaine by the cells was almost negligible in the cultural condition used here.