CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF PURSLANE (PORTULACA-OLERACEA)

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), grown under greenhouse conditions, was harvested at three growth stages and analyzed for total solids, total protein, ash, soluble carbohydrate, and fructose/fructane in whole pla nts, leaves, stems, and roots. Significant increases were observed in total solids and protein during plant maturation. Leaves had the highe st amount of protein in the third growth stage (44.25 g/100 g dry matt er). Roots showed a decline in protein level as the plant aged. Solubl e carbohydrate was significantly higher in growth states 1 and 3. Sign ificant variation among growth stages was found with regard to total p hosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and copper. Total pho sphorus (P) content in leaves was significantly higher than P found in stems and roots. Iron (Fe) content varied significantly among growth stages, and roots and leaves had the highest Fe content (121.47 and 33 .21mg, respectively). Significant accumulation of manganese (Mn) was f ound in different growth stages. Leaves and roots had significantly hi gher Mn content than stems.