Effect of Colchicine Treatment on Oxalate Content of Talinum triangulare Leaves

Excessive oxalate content in leafy vegetables like Talinum triangulare limits calcium absorption and increases kidney stone risk. This study investigated the effect of colchicine treatment on oxalate content in Talinum triangulare to enhance its nutritional quality. Stem cuttings were treated with colchicine at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.1% for 12, 18, and 24 hours, then cultivated under controlled conditions. Oxalate levels were determined using titrimetric analysis. Results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in oxalate content across all colchicine treatments compared to the control. The highest reduction (65.57%) was observed in plants treated with 0.025% colchicine for 18 and 24 hours. These findings indicate that colchicine treatment can effectively lower oxalate levels in Talinum triangulare, potentially improving its nutritional value. Further molecular studies are needed to unravel this plant’s exact genetic mechanisms involved in oxalate biosynthesis.