Chemical Composition of Some Iranian Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) as a Leafy Vegetable in South Parts of Iran

摘要

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is an herbaceous annual plant with fleshy succulent leaves that belongs to the Portulacacea family. Although it is grow as a weed plant in field, it is cultivated in wide range in south part of Iran. Purslane is important in respect to unsaturated fatty acids and high nutritive value. For determining fatty acids, oxalic acid and mineral elements (K, Mg, Ca, Fe) of Iranian purslane cultivars, this research was carried out. Cultivars 'Behbahan', 'Ahwaz', 'Borazjan' and 'Tehran' were planted in greenhouse. Determination of fatty acid by gas chromatography showed that linolenic acid (omega-3) of leaf and seed were 19.69- 30.15% and 19.42- 29.81%, respectively. Oxalic acid content of leaf cultivars was over the range 40-80 g per 100 g fresh weight and the lowest amount was determined in cultivar 'Borazjan'. Dry matter content of leaf varied from 4.25 to 4.71%. Cultivar 'Borazjan' had the highest potassium and calcium and iron content of cultivar 'Behbahan' was higher than other cultivars. Among mineral elements, magnesium content of cultivar 'Tehran' was 84.78 mg per 100 g fresh weight. Mean of potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron of Iranian purslane was 500, 66, 154 and 31 mg per 100 g fresh weights, respectively. This research showed that Iranian purslane cultivars are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, mineral elements and have lower oxalic acid content and are recommended for human nutrition.