Analysis of ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) at various altitudes in East Java, Indonesia

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a weed that can be used as a source of natural antioxidants. One of the ingredients in purslane is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). One of the preventive measures related to infections caused by the coronavirus is taking vitamin C to support the body's immunity, which is proven to have a positive effect on the body's immunity. Vitamin C can prevent susceptibility to reduce respiratory infections in certain conditions. The objective of this study was to get purslane plants (Portulaca oleracea L.) as a source of quality bioactive components of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) from various altitudes in East Java, Indonesia. The study conducted by taking purslane planting material in the lowlands 3 m above sea level (Rungkut, Surabaya); medium plains 593 m above sea level (DAU, Malang), and highlands 945 m above sea level (Bumi Aji, Batu Malang). Vitamin C analysis was carried out using LCMS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). The results of this study were the analysis of the content of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L). ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) from three altitudes was at highlands 9.24 mg/kg, medium plains 2.40 mg/kg, and lowlands 9.73 mg/kg.