Comparative Determination of Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Compositions in Various Parts of Portulaca oleracea L.

Abstract

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaf, stem and root of Portulaca oleracea L. were analyzed for phytochemical constituents and compared, whereas only aqueous extract was used for proximate and mineral composition determinations. There were presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, saponin, sterol, tannin and terpenoid in the leaf, stem and root of both extracts. Alkaloid and saponin have highest concentrations in both aqueous and ethanol extracts. High concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium were present in the leaf, stem and root, whereas iron content was least in all the parts. Level of crude protein, crude fibre and fat were highest in the leaf while carbohydrate was highest in the stem and least in the leaf at p>0.05 level of significance. Generally, it was observed that various parts of Portulaca oleracea contained different concentrations of phytochemicals and nutrients. This work, therefore, confirmed the plant’s indigenous uses. In addition, it proposed extraction of the bioactive compounds and nutrients from them for manufacture of food supplements and development of new drugs. Ethanol extract of this plant is preferable for extraction of saponin, tannin and terpenoid whereas both aqueous and ethanol extracts would produce good level of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol and sterol.