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Chemical Specification of Dried Aerial Parts of Portulaca grandiflora Hook.f.
Somchit Niumsakul*, Apirak Sakpetch*, Jaree Bansiddhi*, Tidarat Boonruad*, Prapai Wongsinkongman*,
Pranee Chavalittumrong †
†
*Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Technical Bureau, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health
The aerial parts of Phrae Sianghai, Portulaca grandiflora Hook.f. (Family Portulacaceae) has long been
used in folk medicine for the treatment of sore throat, skin rash, and detoxification. Since the chemical speci-
fication of this crude drug has not been reported before, this research was conducted to study the physico-
chemical properties of this plant for setting up the guideline of its chemical specifications. This study was
conducted on 28 samples of dried aerial parts of Phrae Sianghai, collected from various natural sources in
Nonthaburi, Chantaburi and Chiang Mai provinces. It was found that the total ash and acid-insoluble ash
contents were not more than 19 percent and 1 percent w/w, respectively. The water-soluble and 95 percent
ethanol-soluble extractives were not less than 20 percent and 7 percent w/w, respectively, while the moisture
content was not more than 9 percent w/w. Additionally, the chemical identification was also provided using
color tests and thin-layer chromatographic method. The result of this study will be useful for the quality
control of Phrae Sianghai dried aerial parts.
Key words: Portulaca grandiflora Hook.f., dried aerial parts, quality control, chemical specifications