portulaca oleracea extract

Portulaca oleracea extract is derived from the plant Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane. It is a medicinal and edible plant widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer/antitumor, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective properties. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids (notably α-linolenic acid), polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins (including β-carotene), minerals, phenolic acids and coumarins. Mechanistically, it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes COX1 and COX2 and modulating cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukins IL-1beta and IL-10. It also modulates cholesterol metabolism by promoting cholesterol efflux via ABCA1/ABCG1 transporters while downregulating CD36 receptor expression in macrophages. This contributes to lipid-lowering effects relevant to atherosclerosis treatment distinct from statins. Traditionally used for inflammatory conditions including skin inflammation and enteritis/dysentery; modern research supports its use in reducing gut microbiota imbalance and colorectal cancer progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition. Purslane extracts are found in some topical cosmetic products for soothing irritated skin due to their antioxidant content.

Brand names

Portusana

Other names

purslanehorse's teeth amaranthma chi xianmachixianportulaca neglecta topportulaca oleracea flower/leaf/stem extractportulaca oleracea flowering topportulaca oleracea topportulaca retusa topportulaceae herbapurslane herb