The proximate composition and some minor constituents of poppy seeds

The proximate chemical composition of poppy seeds, along with minerals and water-soluble vitamins content was investigated. The compositions of the fatty acids and tocopherols of the extracted oil were also determined. The proximate analysis of poppy seeds showed the following composition: (440 g kg^?1), protein (211 g kg^?1), moisture (50 g kg^?1), ash (63 g kg^?1), crude fine (62 g kg^?1) and total carbohydrates (236 g kg^?1). Potassium and calcium were the predominant elements in the poppy seeds. Linoleic acid was the major unsaturated fatty acid (750 g kg^?1 total fatty acids) while palmitic acid was the main saturated one (86-4 g kg^?1). The amounts of α-, β- and δ-tocopherols found in poppy seed oil were 220 μg g^?1, 40 μg g^?1 and 20 μg g^?1 respectively. Among the water-soluble vitamins determined, pantothenic acid was found at the highest level followed by niacin and thiamin.