The fatty acid profile and beta-carotene content of a number of Australian
varieties of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) were determined by GC and HPLC.
The total fatty acid content ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 mg/g of fresh mass in l
eaves, 0.6 to 0.9 mg/g in stems and 80 to 170 mg/g in seeds. alpha-Linoleni
c acid (C-18:3 omega 3) accounted for around 60% and 40% of the total fatty
acid content in leaves and seeds, respectively. Longer-chain omega-3 fatty
acids were not detected. The beta-carotene content ranged from 22 to 30 mg
/g fresh mass in leaves. These results indicate that Australian purslane va
rieties are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid and beta-carotene. (C) 20
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