Accumulation of fatty acids in purslane grown in hydroponic salt stress conditions

Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is the eighth most common plant distributed throughout the world being a heat- and drought-tolerant plant. In this study, we evaluated the effect of salinity on total amounts of fatty acids (FAs) and ω3/ω6 ratio in leaves of purslane. Plants exposed to four levels of chloride salinity in the root zone (60, 90, 120 and 240 mM NaCl) for 40 days showed no signs of toxicity or death. The main FAs detected were C16:0>C18:3>C18:2. The ratio of ω6 to ω3 was not changed with salt stress. Hierarchic cluster analysis brought together 60 and 90 mM NaCl in control plants, based on their FA content. The results of this study confirm the purslane as a plant rich in FAs whose consumption may contribute to dietary intake of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, with obvious benefits to human health.

Edible halophytes of the Mediterranean basin: Potential candidates for novel food products

“…Common purslane is widely known as one of the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, although several fatty acids have been also detected, namely, α-linolenic acid, followed by palmitoleic, palmitic, linoleic, oleic and stearic acids (Uddin et al, 2014). Moreover, according to Anastaćio and Carvalho (2013), salinity levels resulted in changes of relative percentage of the main fatty acids (palmitic, α-linolenic and linoleic acid) without however affecting ω6/ω3 ratio. The carotenoids αand β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are also abundant in purslane, with important bioactive properties being attributed to these compounds (Dias, Camões, & Oliveira, 2009).…”

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant content, germination, and biochemical and ultrastructural cell characteristics of Portulaca oleracea L.

“…Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) belongs to the family Portulacaceae. It is the eighth most commonly known herb in the world [1]. It grows in cultivated fields, gardens, and waste places.…”

“…It grows in cultivated fields, gardens, and waste places. Purslane has a long history of use as human food [1], livestock feed [2], and medical expenses [3]. Recent studies have shown that purslane has a higher nutritional value than most cultivated vegetables, and it has thus been placed on the list of powerful foods.…”

Portulaca oleracea: An Untapped Bioactive Repository for Health Amelioration

“…Uddin et al (2012) observed that the concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Zn increased with plant maturity. Anastacio and Carvalho (2012) evaluated the effect of salinity on total amounts of fatty acids and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids ratio in leaves of P. oleracea and reported no adverse effect of the fatty acid profile. Chen et al (2012) evaluated the oxidative injury inhibition effect of P. oleracea aqueous extract on high-fat-diet-induced mice.…”