Portulaca oleracea
Common purslane
Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is a versatile succulent valued for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, it has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation, support digestive health, and promote skin healing, making it a powerhouse in holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Portulaca oleracea
- Family: Portulacaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Portulacaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Portulaca, with the specific species name oleracea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Portulacaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Portulaca | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Portulaca oleracea, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Dhivehi, it is known as ގެދަ, while in Chinese, it is widely referred to as 马齿苋 (zh-hans/zh-cn), 馬齒莧 (zh-hant), and 馬齒莧 (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| dv | ގެދަ | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 马齿苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 馬齒莧 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 馬齒莧 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 马齿苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 马齿苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 馬齒莧 | Wikidata |
| pl | Portulaka pospolita | Wikidata |
| eu | Getozka | Wikidata |
| ko | 쇠비름 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several parts of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is well-documented in countries such as Denmark and Finland. It can also be found growing throughout the regions of Sweden and Great Britain. Moving toward the center of the continent, the species extends its reach into Middle Europe. Specifically, this medicinal plant has been identified as being native to Austria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Portulaica oleracea, is a succulent herb characterized by its diverse morphological features. The shoot system consists of prostrate, fleshy stems that spread across the ground, providing a base for the various organs. The leaves are thick, cylindrical, and water-retaining, with each individual leaf serving as a vital reservoir for moisture. Below the surface, the root system is typically shallow but effective at anchoring the plant in sandy or disturbed soils. Finally, the plant ensures its survival and dispersal through the production of numerous tiny, dark seeds that can remain viable in the soil for extended periods.- Total parts
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 25
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| root | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| shoot | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| juice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Portulaca oleracea has 92 reported phytochemicals identified across 112 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, ascorbic acid, kaempferol, linoleic acid, quercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 92
- Scientific sources
- 112
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| ascorbic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Hg | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| palmitic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyunsaturated fatty acids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Portulaca oleracea has 27 reported activities identified across 64 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 27
- Scientific sources
- 64
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiasthmatic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Portulaca oleracea has 80 reported medicinal uses identified across 107 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, asthma, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, obesity.
- Total uses
- 80
- Scientific sources
- 107
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| asthma | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal diseases | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| atopic dermatitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| insomnia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |