Common purslane: a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and glutathione determined in leaves of purslane (Portulaca oleracea), grown in both a controlled growth chamber and in the wild, were compared in composition to spinach. Leaves from both samples of purslane contained higher amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (18:3w3) than did leaves of spinach. Chamber-grown purslane contained the highest amount of 18:3w3. Samples from the two kinds of purslane contained higher leaves of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and glutathione than did spinach. Chamber-grown purslane was richer in all three and the amount of alpha-tocopherol was seven times higher than that found in spinach, whereas spinach was slightly higher in beta-carotene. One hundred grams of fresh purslane leaves (one serving) contain about 300-400 mg of 18:3w3; 12.2 mg of alpha-tocopherol; 26.6 mg of ascorbic acid; 1.9 mg of beta-carotene; and 14.8 mg of glutathione. We confirm that purslane is a nutritious food rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, DC 20009.
A P
AP
Simopoulos
H A
HA
Norman
J E
JE
Gillaspy
J A
JA
Duke
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000032:analysis*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000032:analysis; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D019207:beta Carotene
D000975:Antioxidants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D019207:beta Carotene; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; D005978:Glutathione; D001205:Ascorbic Acid