Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON PORTULACA OLERACEA (PURSLANE) PLANT

Okafor IA,Ezejindu DN

Portulaca oleracea (PO) is globally used both as a vegetable and as a herb for medical and therapeutic purposes ; hence the need to investigate its phytonutrients. The aerial parts of PO were harvested, air dried and powdered for this study. Chemical tests were carried out on the aqueous extract and the powdered specimen to determine the phytoconstituents using standard procedures. The presence of Alkaloid, saponin, tannin, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, terpenoid, steroid, phobatannin, protein and starch were accessed qualitatively while flavonoid, tannin alkaloid and saponin were determined quantitatively and it was found not to contain steroid and phobatanin but containing 32% of saponin as its highest constituent with 26% alkaloid. This finding authenticates its use in drug production and other therapies, and to enhance further its usage and research- study

Published Date: 2013-10-12;