An overview of Portulaca oleracea

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 omega-3 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).