An overview of Portulaca oleracea

*Corresponding author: JVS.CHANDANA. Copyright © 205 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. An overview of Portulaca oleracea JVS.CHANDANA *, B. NEHA, K. SRAVANI, SHAIK MUJAHID and T. RAMA RAO Department of Pharmacology, CMR college of pharmacy, Kandlakoya, Medchal, Telangana, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 Publication history: Received on 14 March 2025; revised on 20 April 2025; accepted on 22 April 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.22.3.0422 Abstract The plant Portulaca oleracea L., commonly referred to as purslane, can be found worldwide and thrives in a variety of soil types and climate conditions(1). It has been used traditionally around the world as a nutritious and medicinal food. Numerous studies indicate that the plant possesses a rich array of essential phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and B, carotenoids, and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc(1,2). Its significance is heightened by the exceptionally high levels of omega3 fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and linoleic acid, which are typically not produced by terrestrial plants. Because of their anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, skeletal muscle relaxant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-insomnia, analgesic, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, wound healing, and antiseptic effects, various purslane constituents are known for their ethnomedical and pharmacological uses(3,4). Because of its many benefits, purslane has become known as a major wonder crop and has sparked a lot of interest from experts worldwide as a potential future health food(3). An update on purslane's phytochemical and nutritional profile is provided in this paper, along with information on its use as a plant for nutrition and ethnomedicine around the world(5). Keywords: Purslane; Chemical Constituents; Ethnomedical; Antiseptic; Alkaloids; Flavonoids 1. Introduction One important member of the Portulacaceae Juss family is purslane, or Portulaca oleracea L. Its origins are in Africa and South America, but it grows primarily in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. The term "Portulaca" is derived from two Latin words: "lac" means "milk," and "porto" means "to carry." It describes the plant's milky juice(6,7). Because of its nutritional, medicinal, phytoremediation, and aesthetic properties, purslane has been shown in numerous studies to be significant(8). Purslane has been used as a folk remedy and traditional food in many parts of the world since ancient times. Indigenous cultures consider it an important cure for a number of ailments, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, kidney and cardiovascular disorders, diarrhoea, migraines, ulcers, and snake and bug stings, according to numerous ethnobotanical research studies(9). Nearly every continent has documented its use as an ethnomedicinal plant, underscoring its significant contribution to indigenous societies' health care(10). The identification of several hundred metabolites in various purslane components is the consequence of recent advancements in quantitative analysis techniques for phytochemicals. Following ethnobotanical guidance, scientists have conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate purslane's effectiveness as a medicinal plant, yielding significant results about its pharmacological characteristics(11,12). Modern scientific research has validated purslane's therapeutic uses against illnesses, which lends credence to its ethnomedical qualities(13). Phytochemical studies show that purslane is one of the richest terrestrial sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, glutathione, and β-carotene, suggesting that it may be used as a nutraceutical. For every 100 g of fresh weight, its leaves contain approximately 300– 400 mg of alpha-linolenic acid, 12.2 mg of α-tocopherol, 26.6 mg of ascorbic acid, 1.9 mg of β-carotene, and 14.8 mg of glutathione. Purslane is also rich in specialized metabolites, including phenolic acids, alkaloids, catecholamines, lignans, World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 446 terpenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and betalains. It has been demonstrated that several of these metabolites have positive effects on human health. 2. Origin In Massachusetts, it was discovered for the first time in the United States in 1672. Given that the plant has a milky liquid, the name Portulaca is believed to be derived from the Latin words "porto," which means "to carry," and "lac," which means "milk." The Latin word "oleracea," which means "pertaining to kitchen gardens," alludes to the plant's use as a vegetable. This plant has been used as a vegetable, spice, and medicinal since the ancient Egyptians, and it was widely used in medieval England(1,3,5). Figure 1 Purslane plant Classification: • Kingdom - Plantae • Subkingdom - Tracheobionta • Superdivision - Spermatophyta • Division - Magnoliophyta • Class - Magnoliopsida • Subclass - Caryophyllidae • Order - Caryophyllales • Family - Portulacaceae • Genus - Portulacae L. • Species - Portulacae oleracea L(1). 2.1. Characteristics 2.1.1. Macroscopy It has a spherical, smooth, procumbent, succulent stem that reaches about 6 inches in height, and small, rectangular, wedge-shaped, dark-green leaves that are thick and stalked, grouped together, and devoid of the bristles in their axils(14). Above the last leaves on the branches are the small, yellow blooms, which can be solitary or clustered and have no stalk. They only open for a short time at noon and bloom in June and July(1,15). The deep red stems of this plant, which grows somewhat like samphire, are very striking and highly decorative in herb borders. Like the spokes of a wheel, the reddish stems radiate out from a central rooting point. The stems range in length, usually reaching up to 12 inches(1). When crushed, the succulent, widely branched stem felt extremely slick because of the mucilage(16). The internodes are 1.5–3.5 cm long and have a diameter of roughly 2 mm. Compared to Portulaca quadrifida, which is small and frightening, nodel appendages are less in number(17). World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 447 The leaves range in length from 0.5 to 2 inches and are round, smooth, succulent, glossy, and stalkless (sessile). Although they are typically arranged opposite, the leaves can also occur alternately along the stem, especially close to the base. They are very short, petiolated, have stipular appendages that are either minute or absent, taste sour without any smell, and have a greenish upper surface and a reddish lower(4,10,18). The tiny (2.67 inch), yellow, five-petaled flowers open solely in sunlight and are borne singly in the leaf axils. The tiny pod in which seeds are born has a top that detaches like a cookie jar lid. It has been observed that a single plant's seeds can yield both green and golden-leafed plants(19). The oval, reddish-brown to black seeds have a diameter of 0.02-0.03 inches. The common purslane spreads widely. 240,000 seeds may be produced by a single plant, and they may still sprout five to forty years later. When flat mats of adult purslane are flipped over in late summer, thousands of seeds are visible on the soil's surface(20,21). 2.1.2. Microscopy The microscopic structure of Portulaca oleracea's lamina in the transverse section is similar to that of Portulaca quadrifida in many ways. As in P. quadrifida, the vascular bundles are encased in a sheath of green palisade cells, and the entire mesophyll is composed almost entirely of aqueous tissue(22). of both species, the eragstic material takes the form of prismatic and rossets (drugs) of calcium oxalate crystals of varying sizes. Unlike P. quaudrifida, which has epistomatic leaves, plants have amphistomatic leaves. The adaxial surface has more stomata. The petiole's transverse section shows that the top surface is slightly depressed and the lower surface is relatively greatly bulged. Tangentially elongated tubular parenchymatous cells make up the uniseriate epidermis(23,24). Lower epidermal cells have a bent anticlinal wall and some dark pigmentation. Ground tissue is made up of four to six layers of spherical, thin|-walled parenchymatous cells with distinct intercellular gaps(1,9). The 2-4 vascular bundles are closed, collateral, positioned roughly in the center, and organized in an arch that opens toward the adaxial side. Simple holes are visible in vesicles with helical and scaliferous thickenings, and fibers frequently proliferate intrusively(25). 3. Health benefits of purslane It's essential to remember that purslane has been proved to provide health benefits. 3.1. Anti-oxidant The human body contains unstable chemicals called free radicals that harm cells. Special substances called antioxidants are present in plants and plant-based diets and help fight them. Purslane is rich in antioxidants, including: • Vitamin A: It strengthens your immune system and protects your eyes. Because it promotes healthy cell division, it is also essential for the well-being of your organs. • Beta-carotene: The human body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A. It can lower your risk of cancer by lowering the quantity of free radicals in the body. • Vitamin C: It aids in the healing of wounds and maintains the health of the blood vessels and collagen. • Glutathione: It possesses anti-cancer qualities. Glutathione levels in purslane leaves are higher than those in spinach. • Melatonin: In addition to helping people sleep better, it also lowers inflammation, supports immune system function, and lowers blood pressure. • Betalain: The natural compound that gives purslane stems their scarlet hue seems to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, though further research is necessary(26,27). 3.2. Lower risk of Cancer Purslane stands out as a prospective contender in anticancer research due to its distinctive qualities. A unique kind of mucilage, a gel-like material with possible medicinal uses, is found in its succulent leaves and stems(28). According to research, purslane mucilage may be involved in altering the tumor microenvironment, preventing angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels to supply tumors—and interfering with the exchange of information between cancer cells and the tissues around them(29,30). Purslane also has exceptional environmental adaptation, flourishing in nutrient-poor, arid soils and being resilient to environmental shocks. Purslane's innate resilience may result in increased effectiveness against cancer cells since it represents its ability to adjust and react to changes in the internal environment of the body(31). Purslane's special blend of phytochemicals and bioactive components may also work in concert to strengthen its anticancer properties, increasing its potential as a natural dietary supplement for cancer treatment and prevention(17). World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 448 The main active ingredient, including quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin are all flavonoids mainly used for anti-cervical cancer(12). Quercetin Kaempferol Luteolin 3.3. Heart Health Fish, not often vegetables, contain omega-3 fatty acids. A notable exception is purslane. Actually, of all the land-based plants, it has the highest quantities of omega-3 fatty acids known to science. These vital fats can help keep your arteries healthy and guard against heart attacks, strokes, and other heart disease conditions. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids may lower your risk of dementia and various cancers, such as breast cancer(32). The main active constituent of purslane that is good for heart health is omega-3-fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 449 Alpha linolenic acid 3.4. Diabetes Management Purslane's special qualities make it a fascinating option for managing diabetes. Because purslane contains a high amount of soluble fiber, it can help reduce blood sugar increases after meals by slowing down the absorption of sugar. Purslane's anti-inflammatory properties may also be attributed to the presence of natural antioxidants including flavonoids and vitamin C, which can help reduce insulin resistance and enhance glycemic management in diabetics(7,33). Moreover, purslane's capacity to alter important biochemical pathways involved in glucose metabolism suggests that it may be used as a natural supplement to diabetic treatment(2,4). Research has indicated that purslane's bioactive components, including as betacyanins and betaxanthins, may have protective effects on the beta cells of the pancreas, which are in charge of making insulin. Purslane may increase insulin secretion and the body's capacity to control blood sugar levels by maintaining beta cell viability and function. This would provide a comprehensive strategy for managing diabetes that goes beyond traditional treatments(34,35). The main active constituents in purslane used for anti-diabetic activity are isoquinoline alkaloids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids which includes Oleracein E, Oleracein L and myricetin(1). Oleracein E Myricetin World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 450 3.5. Bone health Purslane has special qualities that make it very good for bone health, in addition to its high calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C concentration. Its high vitamin K content, a crucial ingredient involved in calcium control and bone metabolism, is one such quality(36). In order to improve bone mineralization and strength, vitamin K is essential for activating proteins that aid in the binding of calcium to the bone matrix. Purslane contributes to the overall density and integrity of bones by offering a substantial dosage of vitamin K, which lowers the risk of osteoporosis and fractures(37,38). The main constituent of purslane that are important for bone health are Riboflavin, Calcium and Magnesium. Riboflavin 3.6. Anti-inflammatory Purslane has high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), in addition to flavonoids and beta-carotene. Through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and cytokines, this important fatty acid plays a critical role in regulating the body's inflammatory response. Purslane's exceptional anti-inflammatory effectiveness is a result of the synergistic action of these bioactive components, which makes it a useful botanical ally in the fight against chronic inflammation and the illnesses that are linked to it(31,39,40). The main active constituents of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) that helps in antiinflammatory activity are flavonoids and phenolics i.e., quercetin, P-coumaric acid(1). Quercetin structure World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 451 Pcoumaric acid 3.7. Weight management Purslane is a great supplement to a diet that aims to help people lose weight because it is high in fiber and low in calories. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a unique kind of omega-3 fatty acid, is found in purslane, in contrast to many other leafy greens. According to study, this fatty acid may assist control metabolism and lessen body fat buildup, which is why it has been linked to weight management advantages. Purslane also has a relatively low carbohydrate content, especially simple sugars, which can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid insulin spikes, which are linked to the promotion of fat accumulation(41,42). Additionally, betalains—compounds found in purslane—are responsible for the plant's vivid red and yellow pigments. Because they increase metabolism and encourage the body to break down fats, these betalains have been researched for their possible involvement in weight management. Purslane is a powerful ally in weight-loss efforts because of its high water content, which gives meals bulk without adding a lot of calories(43). 3.8. Anti-microbial Purslane's distinct biochemical makeup, which consists of a wide range of phytochemicals and bioactive substances, highlights its antibacterial qualities. These substances, which include phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, have strong antibacterial properties against a variety of diseases, from common bacterial strains to hardy fungus species. Purslane's broad-spectrum antibacterial efficiency is demonstrated by its capacity to target a variety of pathogens, which makes it an effective natural treatment for infections and immune system support(44–46). Purslane's antimicrobial action is further distinguished by its complex mechanism of action, which includes interfering with vital cellular functions and structures that are necessary for the survival and growth of microorganisms. Purslane extracts have been shown in studies to target important enzymes and metabolic pathways, which can impede bacterial development. This disrupts microbial replication and damages cells. The antibacterial potency and efficacy of purslane's bioactive components against resistant microbial strains are further enhanced by their synergistic interactions(47,48). The main active constituents used for anti-microbial activity is oleraceins. Oleracein structure World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 452 3.9. Skin health In addition to its substantial nutrient content, purslane includes unique bioactive components that make it particularly good for skin health. One prominent chemical discovered in purslane is portulacan, a form of omega-3 fatty acid peculiar to this plant. Purslane's capacity to shield and nourish the skin is further enhanced by portulacan's strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Purslane contains many active ingredients that helps with skin health including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants such gamma linolenic acid, kaempferol, ferulic acid, etc(49,50)., Gamma linolenic acid Ferulic acid 3.10. Cognitive function Purslane's quantity of neuroprotective chemicals is one of its significant qualities in supporting cognitive function. In addition to its antioxidant qualities, purslane includes special phytochemicals including dopamine and betalains that have been connected to improved cognitive function and brain health. By scavenging free radicals and lowering inflammation in the brain, betalains in particular have demonstrated encouraging neuroprotective effects. Purslane's potential as a brain-boosting plant is further supported by the possibility that its high potassium content enhances neuronal signaling and synaptic transmission(30,48). 3.11. Gastro intestinal health Certain substances called lignans, which are found in purslane, have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects in the digestive system(31). These lignans are essential for maintaining a healthy gut environment World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(03), 445-459 453 because they lower inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract. According to research, purslane's ability to effectively reduce gastrointestinal disorder symptoms including bloating, cramping, and pain may be attributed to the combination of its mucilage and lignans(22,23). 3.12. Eye health Purslane's distinctive antioxidants, known as betalains—more especially, betacyanins and betaxanthins—give it its vivid hue and provide further resistance against oxidative stress in the eyes. Together with beta-carotene and vitamin A, these potent antioxidants neutralize free radicals and lower inflammation, improving the general health and robustness of the ocular tissues(4,5). Purslane contains plenty of anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A which is used to protect eyes. Vitamin A 3.13. Liver health Purslane is known for having a distinct mix of bioactive substances that support its hepatoprotective properties. Certain phytochemicals included in purslane, like polysaccharides and betalains, have been found in studies to have strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. Together, these substances reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, preventing cellular damage and promoting liver health in general. The main constituent of purslane used for liver health are Tocopherols, glutathione(49,50). Tocopherol Glutathione 3.14. Immune system support The antioxidants in purslane help lower oxidative stress in the body, which over time can weaken the immune system, and vitamin C, for instance, is known to increase the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fending off infections. Purslane also contains a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can support immune function and enhance the body's ability to defend against infections and diseases(46,49,50). Also, purslane has a special high concentration of betalains, which are potent antioxidants with immune-stimulating qualities. By aiding in the body's defense against dangerous free radicals, betalains lower oxidative stress and boost immunity in general. Purslane is also a good source of minerals like magnesium, manganese, and zinc, all of which are important for immunological function. In particular, zinc has been demonstrated to shorten the length and lessen the severity of infections and is necessary for immune cells to operate properly(50). Pectin, a soluble fiber with prebiotic properties, is another substance found in purslane. Pectin helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the digestive tract by providing food for good gut bacteria. Maintaining optimal gut health is crucial for supporting immune function since the gut contains a sizable percentage of the immune system. Purslane