Primary phytochemical evaluation of P. oleracea and P. quadrifida

P. oleracea and P. quadrifida are closely related species belonging to family Portulaceae. They are found in almost parts of the globe growing as neglected weed. However, recent interest in these plants owing to their palatable sour taste and health benefits have made them acceptable as cultivable plants and potted herbs. Even though numerous studies indicate the presence of pharmacological compounds in these plants, reports on quality assurance practices followed for evaluating these plants as crude drugs have not been detailed. In this study, the plant species were harvested as weed, authenticated, extracted using different solvents and extraction techniques. The extracts were then evaluated and studied for their primary phytochemical composition. This was followed by isolation of beta sitosterol using thin layer chromatography and column chromatography. The results indicate the presence all major classes of phytochemicals such as steroids, flavanoids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and tannins. The percentage yield, extractive values, ash values, moisture content were calculated for both the species. The isolation of beta-sitosterol may be used as a quality assurance procedure. The data presented in this study may be further used by researchers for primary evaluation of quality of crude drugs in the form of P. oleracea and P. quadrifida plants.