Alkylresorcinol in Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Seeds as a New Source of Dietary Phenolic Lipid

This study identified, quantified and optimized extraction of alkylresorcinol within Portulaca oleracea (purslane) seeds. Supercritical fluid extraction yielded the highest amount of alkylresorcinols at 577.9mg/100g of DM. ORAC, TPC and DPPH inhibition assays assessed antioxidant capacity resulting in values of 136.1 8.72 μmol TE/g, 7.67 0.64 mg GAE/g and 14.5 1.02 %, respectively. Rancimat analysis of purslane-enhanced margarine increased induction time from 1.18h to 2.00h while various alkylresorcinol homologues performed at 10.98 - 12.80h. Microscopy and HPLC analysis revealed homologue C17 to exhibit the highest percent incorporation within a polycarbonate membrane (23.2%) and C19 exhibited the highest percent permeability (95.8%). Microscopy revealed formation of crystal structures in margarine and chocolate supplemented with alkylresorcinol and purslane seed extract. These findings confer alkylresorcinol and purslane seeds as valuable compounds that may be used as a nutraceutical, natural preservative and source of crystalline structure in manufactured food.