Proximate Composition and Macromineral Profile of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Wild Edible Plant from the Kashmir Himalayas, India

Abstract

Background: Wild edible plants contribute to dietary diversity and may provide valuable nutrients and minerals, particularly in rural and mountainous communities. Portulaca oleracea L. is a widely consumed wild edible species, but its proximate composition and macromineral profile remain insufficiently documented in the Kashmir Himalayas. Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the proximate composition and macromineral profile of the wild edible plant species, Portulaca oleracea, from the Sindh Forest Division of the Kashmir Himalayas. Study Design: An experimental laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of Study: Plant samples were collected from different habitats within the Sindh Forest Division, Kashmir Himalayas, India, from April to June 2025, and proximate and mineral analyses were conducted using standard laboratory procedures. Methodology: Healthy, fresh plant samples were collected, air-dried, powdered, and analysed for their proximate and mineral contents. Organic matter, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, nitrogen-free extract, and acid-insoluble ash were determined according to standard AOAC methods. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) concentrations were determined by flame photometry following acid digestion, whereas calcium (Ca) content was estimated by wet acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). All procedures were conducted according to standard AOAC methods. Results: The proximate analysis revealed dry matter (92.56 ± 0.14%), crude protein (13.98 ± 0.09%), crude fat (1.65 ± 0.001%), crude fibre (11.23 ± 0.21%), organic matter (91.03 ± 0.16%), ash (8.97 ± 0.16%), nitrogen-free extract (64.17 ± 1.0%), and acid-insoluble ash (3.44 ± 0.009%). Mineral analysis showed that potassium (3.70 ± 0.17%) was the predominant macromineral, followed by sodium (3.30 ± 0.70%) and calcium (1.15 ± 0.01%). Conclusion: The findings indicate that P. oleracea has a favourable proximate composition and considerable concentrations of essential macrominerals, thereby highlighting the nutritional potential of this wild edible plant.