Essential fatty acids extracted from Portulaca oleracea L. leaves

Background & Aim: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), belongs to the Portulacaceace family, grows in many parts of Iran. Results of previous studies were indicated purslane is a rich source of essential fatty acids of omega-3 and omega-6.  Portulaca oleracea is a widespread weed, being the eighth common plants of the world. The Aim of current study was to compare the essential fatty acids composition in two populations of Portulaca oleracea from Gorgan and Sardasht regions. Experimental: The oil of purslane leaves was extracted by Soxhlent apparatus using petroleum ether. Extracted oil was change into methyl ester, before analysis by gas chromatography. Results & Discussion: The total fat contents of Gorgan and Sardasht populations were 4.71% and 4.81%, respectively. In both populations, three the essential fatty acids were detected. Linolenic acid, ranged from 105.43 to 148.97 mg FA/g, linoleic acid ranged from 30.13 to 39.31 mg FA/g, and the lowest was recorded for Arashidonic acid which ranged from 5.16 to 8.30 mg FA/g for the Gorgan and Sardasht populations, respectively. Industrial and practical recommendations: The oil and the essential fatty acids content of purslane leaves in the Sardasht population were higher than the Gorgan population. Since the oil and essential fatty acid content were affected by different climatic and cultivation factors, the western province of Iran is better suited for cultivation of medicinal plants having great oil and essential fatty acid contents.