Portulaca oleracea L. , commonly known as purslane, is an herbaceous plant from the Portulacaceae family, notable for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions, it is utilized in various cuisines and traditional medicines. This report provides a comprehensive review of the bioactive components, nutritional composition, ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities, clinical studies, and potential toxicities of Portulaca oleracea. Relevant materials were gathered from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and reviewed for important properties and updates about the plant. P. oleracea is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Its chemical composition includes flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, organic acids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its nutritional and pharmacological activities. The plant demonstrates diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Toxicity studies indicate dose-dependent adverse effects on vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver, highlighting the need for safe dosage standardization. Moreover, emerging evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies underscores its potential therapeutic applications but also calls for rigorous, well-designed human trials. This review also provides critical insights into how new pharmacological findings may impact future research, including the potential derivatization of plant-derived compounds with enhanced pharmacological activity. In conclusion, P. oleracea represents a nutritionally dense and pharmacologically versatile plant with significant potential for integration into therapeutic and preventive healthcare. However, further mechanistic studies, clinical trials, and safety evaluations remain essential to validate its efficacy and ensure responsible medicinal use.
Teibo et al. (Sun,) studied this question.