Investigation of lipophyilic compounds from native species of portulaca L. (Portulaceae) genus

Abstract

The species of Portulaca genus are little known, studied and are not used in Romania for therapy or food purposes. In the world, though, Portulaca oleracea is known for its therapeutic and nutritive value. This research aimed the investigation of some lipophilic compounds from two Romanian native species, P. oleracea and P. grandiflora. The analysis of volatile compounds was carried out by GC-MS and the total carotenoids were spectrophotometrically assayed. In P. oleracea 17 volatile compounds were identified, among which the most important were linalool (33.18%) and salicylaldehyde (21.23%). Their presence might justify the use of the species in the therapy of diabetes and its complications, as well as in inflammatory states. The total carotenoid content was higher for P. oleracea (between 281.3 - 361.9 mg carotene per 100 grams of dried herbal product) than for P. grandiflora (between 6.4 - 6.6). The results are in agreement with the antioxidant activity reported for the herbal product in the literature.