Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDIES ON PORTULACA QUADRIFIDA LINN

Dr. Mammen Daniel*

ABSTRACT

Portulaca quadrifida Linn (Chicken weed) is a plant common in many parts of the world where it is used as food and medicine. As the data available on this plant are sparse, the whole plant is subjected to a phytochemical and pharmacognostic analysis. The LCMS analysis of the methanol extract contained 997 compounds of which 441 are identified. These compounds are found exerting many physiological actions which support the medicinal properties, which this herb is ascribed with, such as improving stamina, reducing fatigue, building muscles, neuroprotective, reducing depression and insomnia, cardiotonic, anticancer, antimicrobial and analgesic features. The important pharmacognostic characters are the multiseriate hairs, maze like lamina, Kranz anatomy and the characteristic seeds.

Keywords: Portulaca quadrifida, Chicken weed, LCMS analysis, Pharmacognosy.