Ingredient sheet: Purslane
What is purslane?
Purslane ( Portulaca oleracea ) is a species of herbaceous plant with creeping stems.
It is cultivated both for food and for herbal medicine.
It is a common plant along the Mediterranean coast. It is low in calories but contains vitamin C , B vitamins ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 12 ) and is renowned for its fatty acid composition, a high proportion of which is composed of omega 3 (more precisely ALA).
At Phytocea , we use purslane in our supplement intended, among other things, to support visual function: ORetine .
What is purslane used for, and what are its biological properties?
Purslane has some potential as a food. It contains many bioactive compounds such as:
- flavonoids
- coumarins
- monoterpene glycoside
- phenolic compounds
- fatty acids including alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3)
- alkaloids
- vitamins ( A , E , C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)
- trace elements (potassium, magnesium , phosphorus, calcium, sodium, copper, iron, selenium )
Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid considered essential, a precursor to other molecules (including EPA and DHA), and must be obtained through diet. Omega-3s play numerous roles in the body. We have dedicated several articles to the topic of fatty acids ; please feel free to consult them.
And what about Phytocea?
At Phytocea , we have chosen to incorporate purslane into the ORetine formula.
ORetine is a nutraceutical food supplement specifically for vision, AMD and cataracts; it is intended, among other things, to help maintain normal vision.
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Contraindications and side effects of purslane
Purslane has no particular contraindications other than a proven intolerance or allergy.
Excessive consumption is likely to cause digestive problems.
Research on purslane
The anti-inflammatory role of purslane has been demonstrated in several studies. Kim et al suggested that the mRNA expression of various inflammatory factors (including TNF-α and IL-1β) is suppressed by purslane in a dose-dependent manner.
Numerous studies indicate that purslane's protective effects may be attributable to its antioxidant activity. The proline and betalain pigments produced in purslane have demonstrated antioxidant properties and protect the plant from salt stress.
Purslane is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.