Blue Poppy Research Articles

Fatty Acid Composition of Pseudocereals and Seeds Used as Functional Food Ingredients.

In recent times, the popularity of seeds, other than cereals, in the diet has systematically grown. The fat contained in these products significantly affects their energy value as well as their biological and physicochemical properties, including their susceptibility to oxidation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fat concentration and fatty acid (FA) composition of popular non-spice seeds used in food as a substitute for cereals or a functional additive. The research material consisted of thirteen groups of seeds derived from the following plants: amaranth, blue poppy, buckwheat, chia, flax, hemp, canihua, milk thistle, pumpkin, plantago, quinoa, sesame, and sunflower. The fat contents and fatty acid profiles differed significantly between the tested products and were dependent on the plant species. In all products, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 40-80% of total FAs) dominated. Linoleic acid was the main FAs in most tested seeds. The exceptions were chia and flax seeds, which were characterized by very high contents of α-linolenic acid, respectively, 62.0 and 51.4% of the total FAs. The share of monounsaturated FAs (mainly oleic acid) in the total FAs content was between 6 and 40%. All tested seeds (especially flax, chia, and hemp) have favorable values for their indexes of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity as well as the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of the prickly blue poppy Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson (Ranunculales: Papaveraceae)

The prickly blue poppy (Meconopsis horridula Hook. f. & Thomson) is a traditional Tibetan medicinal herb with high values. In this study, its chloroplast genome was determined to be 153,761 bp in length with an A + T-biased base composition, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,030 bp), separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (83,803 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,898 bp). A total of 113 gene species were annotated, with 20 of them being completely or partially duplicated and 18 of them harboring one or two introns. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that M. horridula is closely related to Meconopsis racemosa Maxim.

Changes in Volatile Compound Profiles in Cold-Pressed Oils Obtained from Various Seeds during Accelerated Storage.

Cold-pressed oils are highly valuable sources of unsaturated fatty acids which are prone to oxidation processes, resulting in the formation of lipid oxidation products, which may deteriorate the sensory quality of the produced oil. The aim of the study was to determine the main volatile compounds which differentiate examined oils and could be used as the markers of lipid oxidation in various oils. In the experiment, cold-pressed oils—brown flaxseed, golden flaxseed, hempseed, milk thistle, black cumin, pumpkin, white poppy seed, blue poppy seed, white sesame, black sesame and argan oils from raw and roasted kernels—were analyzed. To induce oxidative changes, an accelerate storage test was performed, and oils were kept at 60 °C for 0, 2, 4, 7 and 10 days. Volatile compound profiling was performed using SPME-GC-HRToFMS. Additionally, basic measurements such as fatty acid composition, peroxide value, scavenging activity and phenolic compound contents were carried out. Multivariate statistical analyses with volatile compound profiling allow us to differentiate oils in terms of plant variety, oxidation level and seed treatment before pressing. Comparing black cumin cold-pressed oil with other oils, significant differences in volatile compound profiles and scavenging activity were observed. Compounds that may serve as indicators of undergoing oxidation processes in flaxseed, poppy seed, milk thistle and hemp oils were determined.

Genetic features of Czech blue poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) revealed by DNA polymorphism

Seeds of Czech poppies used for culinary purposes are frequently mixed with seeds of imported low-quality poppies with higher alkaloid content and poor taste properties. That not only decreases the quality of the product on the market, but it can also represent a potential health hazard for consumers. To prevent such adulteration, the method is needed that could clearly detect the presence of the low-quality poppies in the products on the market and which can also confirm the authenticity of the genetic material for growers. For that reason, length polymorphism of Simple Sequence Repeats was evaluated in the blue and non-blue poppy varieties of Czech and foreign origin. Used markers clearly distinguished ‘Czech blue poppy’ cultivars from blue poppies of another origin as well as from poppies of non-blue seed colour. We conclude that used markers can be applied to a commodity verification on the market to detect/exclude the presence of other genotypes.

Physical Properties of Seeds of the Selected Oil Plants

Abstract The paper examines the selected physical properties of seeds of 8 plants used in agri-food processing industry. These are: winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Adriana cultivar, sesame (Sesamumindicum L.), common flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Luna cultivar, husked sunflower (Helianthus L.) (country of origin – Bulgaria), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Benikocultivar, blue poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Major cultivar, garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), black caraway (Nigella Sativa L.). In the research material we determined the following: mass of thousand seeds (MTS), piling angle and angle of repose, tap and bulk density and compressive resistance of single seeds. Some seeds from the selected plant species differed with shape and size. Thus, the results determining the physical properties were varied.

Book Review: Acupuncture for Ivf and Assisted Reproduction. An Integrated Approach to Treatment and Management

Irina Szmelskyj and Lianne Aquilina. Published by Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier), Edinburgh, 2015. 429+xviii pp. £44.99 (hardback). ISBN: 9780702050107. ![Graphic][1] This is an immensely ambitious and impressive book, packed with essential information for all those who see patients with subfertility issues. Assisted reproductive technology (ART)—and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in particular—are rapidly developing fields, and acupuncture has gained a deserved reputation of being a useful adjunctive therapy for those using these methods. Indeed, many acupuncturists now specialise in this area, both outside and within the NHS. This book will provide a resource both for them and for other professionals who want to find out what acupuncturists do and how they do it. Other books on the topic, directed more specifically at those who use a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach (including herbs) in their practice are Lifang Liang's Acupuncture and IVF (Blue Poppy Press, 2003) and another Elsevier blockbuster, Jane Lyttleton's Treatment of Infertility with Chinese … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

Molecular phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis based on nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA sequence data.

The taxonomy and phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis (Himalayan blue poppy) remain largely unresolved. We used the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F region for phylogenetic reconstruction of Meconopsis and its close relatives Papaver, Roemeria, and Stylomecon. We identified five main clades, which were well-supported in the gene trees reconstructed with the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F sequences. We found that 41 species of Asian Meconopsis did not constitute a monophyletic clade, but formed two solid clades (I and V) separated in the phylogenetic tree by three clades (II, III and IV) of Papaver and its allies. Clade V includes only four Asian Meconopsis species, with the remaining 90 percent of Asian species included in clade I. In this core Asian Meconopsis clade, five subclades (Ia–Ie) were recognized in the nrDNA ITS tree. Three species (Meconopsis discigera, M. pinnatifolia, and M. torquata) of subgenus Discogyne were imbedded in subclade Ia, indicating that the present definition of subgenera in Meconopsis should be rejected. These subclades are inconsistent with any series or sections of the present classifications, suggesting that classifications of the genus should be completely revised. Finally, proposals for further revision of the genus Meconopsis were put forward based on molecular, morphological, and biogeographical evidences.

Ferric ions involved in the flower color development of the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis grandis

The Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis grandis, has sky blue-colored petals, although the anthocyanidin nucleus of the petal pigment is cyanidin. The blue color development in this blue poppy involving ferric ions was therefore studied. We analyzed the vacuolar pH, and the organic and inorganic components of the colored cells. A direct measurement by a proton-selective microelectrode revealed that the vacuolar pH value was 4.8. The concentrations of the total anthocyanins in the colored cells were around 5 mM, and ca. three times more concentrated flavonols were detected. Fe was detected by atomic analysis of the colored cells, and the ratio of Fe to anthocyanins was ca. 0.8 eq. By mixing the anthocyanin, flavonol and metal ion components in a buffered aq. solution at pH 5.0, we were able to reproduce the same blue color; the visible absorption spectrum and CD were identical to those in the petals, with Fe 3+, Mg 2+ and flavonol being essential for the blue color. The blue pigment in Meconopsis should be a new type of metal complex pigment that is different from a stoichiometric supramolecular pigment such as commelinin or protocyanin.

`Florida Pink' and `Florida Light Blue'—Semi-dwarf Heat-tolerant Cultivars of Lisianthus

Additional index words. high temperature, rosette, potted flowering plants, Eustoma grandiflorum, Gentianaceae, plant breeding between UF8-21 and ‘Mermaid Blue’) (Fig. 1B). ‘Blue Lisa’ was chosen for its early flowering and dwarf characteristics. UF8-21 was selected after three generations of selfpollination of ‘Blue Poppy’-2, and ‘Mermaid Blue’ was chosen for its lower branching, dwarf characteristics. Growing conditions used to select seedlings for resistance to heat-induced rosetting during development of heat tolerant parents included: 1) production during summer months under greenhouse conditions at day temperatures ≤35 °C, 2) exposure of 3to 4-week-old seedlings to 28 °C for 4 weeks for initial selections in early generations, and 3) exposure of 17-d-old seedlings to 31 °C for 5 weeks for selection of final parents used in F1 hybrids.

Identification of triacylglycerol positional isomers present in vegetable oils by high performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

High performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/APCI-MS) enables the positional isomers of individual triacylglycerols in mixtures to be identified. Application of HPLC/APCI-MS to the analysis of soybean oil allowed thirty nine triacylglycerols and seven diacylglycerols to be positively identified. The compounds present were quantified and the distribution of fatty acids in the ‚-position calculated. This distribution compared favourably with that obtained using a more conventional regiospecific lipase degradation of the oil. A survey of the acylglycerol components of a range of vegetable oils (blackcurrant, blue poppy seed, evening primrose, extra virgin olive, hazelnut, maize and rapeseed) carried out using HPLC/APCI-MS is reported. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Reflections on …: Spirituality and Occupation: Garden Musings and the Himalayan Blue Poppy

Spirituality is a key dimension in occupational therapy models of practice, but definitions of spirituality and its relationship to occupation have eluded us. Nevertheless, if the writings of people who are deeply involved in their occupations are examined, we discover that spirituality can be expressed through our engagement in occupations with personal meaning in our lives. In these reflections, the author examines spirituality as it is expressed by gardeners in their garden musings, and suggests that this occupation has the capacity to enrich spirituality in everyday life. Further study of the relationship between specific occupations and spirituality may illuminate the construct of spirituality and demonstrate the ways in which occupation can be used to facilitate a richer spiritual life for individuals and communities.

Spirituality and Occupation: Garden Musings and the Himalayan Blue Poppy

Spirituality is a key dimension in occupational therapy models of practice, but definitions of spirituality and its relationship to occupation have eluded us. Nevertheless, if the writings of people who are deeply involved in their occupations are examined, we discover that spirituality can be expressed through our engagement in occupations with personal meaning in our lives. In these reflections, the author examines spirituality as it is expressed by gardeners in their garden musings, and suggests that this occupation has the capacity to enrich spirituality in everyday life. Further study of the relationship between specific occupations and spirituality may illuminate the construct of spirituality and demonstrate the ways in which occupation can be used to facilitate a richer spiritual life for individuals and communities.

Vanishing plant wealth of the Valley of Flowers

The ‘Valley of Flowers’ –a National Park, is located in the upper reaches of the Bhyunder Ganga in the far interior of the Garhwal Himalaya. This Alpine Valley, reputed for a variety of blooming plant species, is now facing an abrupt peril of losing its charm, owing to human encroachment in various ways. The present article attempts to describe its vegetation from the phyto-sociological point of view alongwith the floristics. It is revealed that some of the species reported from this locality during the past 2-3 decades earlier, have been completely eliminated. The greatest danger which the valley is facing stems from the rapidly increasing population of the pernicious weed Persicaria polystachya, Osmunda claytoniana, a tall fern, is also spreading very fast and in due course will definitely prove yet another hazard. It is alarming to note that ‘Himalayan Blue Poppy’ (Meconopsis aculeata) for which the valley has been so famous, can hardly be seen now. Our list includes 330 plant species encountered in this area, alongwith a separate enumeration of plant species which have become rare. Some suggestions have been offered towards restoring the grandeur of this beautiful abode of Nature.

A multicopy DNA sequence from Meconopsis simplicifolia discriminates between the different species of this endangered Himalayan poppy

Clones harboring multicopy DNA sequences were isolated on the basis of reverse genome hybridization to Meconopsis paniculata (Himalayan yellow poppy) DNA from a Sau3A partial genomic plasmid library of M. simplicifolia (Himalayan blue poppy). Restriction-endonuclease-dependent genetic polymorphism between five species of Meconopsis, M. aculeata, M. paniculata, M. simplicifolia, M. sinuata and M. villosa, belonging to geographically isolated populations, was evident in genomic DNA filter hybridizations when probed with a clone (pIMS10) isolated from this library. Pooled DNA from seedlings originating from plants of individual populations of M. paniculata, M. simplicifolia and M. villosa gave similar band patterns, with respect to a given enzyme, suggesting intra-population genetic homogeneity

Resource For Recreation Himalaya's Floral Excellence:

Garhwal's unique bioclimatic features have provided it wonderous meadowscapes and flowerful pastures beyond the timberline. These are named “Bugyals”, locally. Of the 27 bugyals identified in Garhwal, the Pushpvati bonanza is par-excellence in its aesthetics of landscape, intense distribution of colourful annuals and herbs, soothing mamla grass (Buggy) lush green meadows interrupted by musical runnels. This floral excellence is in abundance in the famous Valley of Flowers and Hemkwid environs. The Valley of Flowers is now Himalaya's smallest National Park (1982) on the right bank of the Pushpvati in Bhyundar catchment Mythical in origin, Smythe (1931) exposed it as resource for recreation. Hemkund (Lokpal) beside a high altitude lake (3429 m) is a popular sikh pilgrimage resort. Both attract visitors, religious and mundane. About 250 garden genera and 2000 varieties of flowers were listed by Smythe and Holdsworth (1947). Most of them including Himalayan blue poppy and Brahm Kamal grow wild, during the mid...

Cadmium in blue poppy seeds and poppy seed-containing products

Blue poppy seeds, semi finished products and finished baked goods with poppy seeds, were analyzed for cadmium by atomic-absorption spectrometry. The average content was 0.739 mg/kg (median 0.654 mg/kg) for poppy seeds, 0.317 mg/kg (median 0.366 mg/kg) for semi finished products and 0.107 mg/kg (median 0.088 mg/kg) for baked goods. Poppy seeds therefore must be considered as one of the most cadmium contaminated foods. For consumers, especially children, recommendations for consumption should be established.

The Land of the Blue Poppy

The Land of the Blue Poppy