# Purslane Extract (Portulaca oleracea)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/purslane-extract
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Portulaca oleracea L., Olasiman, Common purslane, Verdolaga, Little hogweed, Pursley, Moss rose, Pigweed, Fatweed, Pusley

## Overview

Purslane extract contains omega-3 fatty acids, betalains, and phenolic compounds that demonstrate potent [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity through inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Research shows purslane oil and extract fractions achieved 44-99% inflammation inhibition in laboratory assays at doses of 15-150 μg.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Oil and extract fractions demonstrated 44-99% inhibition of inflammation in chorioallantoic membrane assays at 15-150 μg doses (in vitro evidence only)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Hydroalcoholic extracts showed radical scavenging with IC50 of 52.86 μg/mL in DPPH/ABTS assays (in vitro evidence only)
• Rich omega-3 source: Contains α-linolenic acid at 35.4-54.92% in leaves and DHA at 5.08% (compositional analysis only)
• Non-hepatotoxic profile: Demonstrated no liver toxicity in cytotoxicity assays with GI50 >400 μg/mL (in vitro evidence only)
• Nutritional density: High in minerals including calcium and potassium, comparable to cabbage/lettuce (compositional analysis only)

## Mechanism of Action

Purslane extract's anti-inflammatory effects stem from its high omega-3 fatty acid content, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which modulates prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis pathways. The betalain pigments and phenolic compounds act as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to inhibit [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production and cyclooxygenase enzyme activity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for purslane extract comes primarily from in vitro studies using chorioallantoic membrane assays, where oil and extract fractions demonstrated 44-99% inhibition of [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) at 15-150 μg doses. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies show hydroalcoholic extracts achieved DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 values of 52.86 μg/mL. No human clinical trials have been conducted to date, limiting evidence to laboratory-based research. The promising in vitro results warrant further investigation through animal and human studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is notably nutrient-dense for a leafy plant. **Macronutrients (per 100g fresh weight):** Water ~93%, protein 1.3–2.0g, fat 0.1–0.4g (exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids for a plant), carbohydrates 3.4–3.8g, dietary fiber 0.5–0.9g. Energy: ~16–20 kcal. **Omega-3 Fatty Acids:** α-Linolenic acid (ALA) constitutes 35.4–54.9% of total fatty acids in leaves, yielding approximately 300–400 mg ALA per 100g fresh weight — one of the highest concentrations among edible plants. Bioavailability of plant-derived ALA is moderate; conversion to EPA/DHA is limited (~5–10% to EPA, <1% to DHA in humans). **Vitamins:** Vitamin A (β-carotene): 1320–2550 μg/100g fresh weight (high bioavailability when consumed with fat); Vitamin C: 12–21 mg/100g; Vitamin E (α-tocopherol): 3.0–12.2 mg/100g; B-vitamins including riboflavin (0.11 mg), niacin (0.48 mg), pyridoxine (0.07 mg) per 100g. **Minerals:** Potassium: 494–560 mg/100g; Magnesium: 68–87 mg/100g; Calcium: 65–103 mg/100g; Phosphorus: 40–56 mg/100g; Iron: 1.99–2.5 mg/100g (non-heme, ~5–12% bioavailability, enhanced by co-consumed vitamin C); Zinc: 0.17–0.37 mg/100g; Manganese: 0.30–0.48 mg/100g. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** Betalain pigments (betacyanins 2.3–14.8 mg/100g, betaxanthins 2.0–10.5 mg/100g — responsible for red/yellow pigmentation and [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)); total phenolics: 40–120 mg GAE/100g fresh weight; flavonoids including kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin and their glycosides (combined ~5–30 mg/100g depending on cultivar and growing conditions); homoisoflavonoids and coumarins in trace amounts. **Oxalate content:** Notable concern — total oxalates range from 670–1679 mg/100g fresh weight (predominantly soluble oxalates ~50–80%), which can reduce calcium and iron bioavailability and may pose risk for kidney stone–prone individuals. Cooking/blanching reduces soluble oxalate by 30–50%. **Polysaccharides:** Mucilaginous polysaccharides (galacturonic acid-rich pectic polysaccharides) at approximately 1.5–3.5% dry weight, contributing to potential [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and gastroprotective effects. **Melatonin:** Purslane contains unusually high melatonin concentrations for a plant, reported at 10–20 ng/g fresh weight. **[Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox):** Reported at approximately 14.81 mg/100g fresh weight. **Carotenoids beyond β-carotene:** Lutein (~1.5–2.5 mg/100g), zeaxanthin, and neoxanthin are present in meaningful quantities. Overall, purslane extract concentrates these bioactives; standardized extracts typically specify phenolic content (often 5–20% polyphenols by weight in dried extract), ALA content, and/or betalain levels depending on extraction solvent (hydroalcoholic extracts favor phenolics and betalains; lipophilic extracts concentrate ALA and tocopherols).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for purslane extract have been established in human trials. In vitro studies used 15-150 μg for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and 1g dried sample in 30mL solvent for extractions. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Purslane extract is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food, as purslane is commonly eaten as a vegetable worldwide. However, no formal safety studies exist for concentrated purslane extracts or supplements. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should exercise caution due to the high omega-3 content, which may enhance anticoagulant effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid purslane supplements, as traditional use suggests potential uterine stimulant properties.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on purslane extract were identified in the research dossier. Current evidence is limited to in vitro studies including chorioallantoic membrane assays for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays, without any PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) has historical use as both an edible leafy vegetable and medicinal plant, though specific traditional systems or durations of use are not detailed in available research. The plant is noted in WHO databases for bioactivity investigation and is compared nutritionally to common vegetables like cabbage and lettuce.

## Synergistic Combinations

Omega-3 fatty acids, Quercetin, Turmeric extract, Green tea extract, Vitamin E

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much purslane extract should I take daily?

No standardized dosage exists for purslane extract supplements since human clinical trials haven't been conducted. Laboratory studies used 15-150 μg doses, but these cannot be directly translated to human recommendations without proper clinical research.

### What makes purslane extract anti-inflammatory?

Purslane extract contains omega-3 fatty acids (especially alpha-linolenic acid), betalains, and phenolic compounds that inhibit inflammatory pathways. These compounds reduce prostaglandin synthesis and block pro-inflammatory cytokine production at the cellular level.

### Can purslane extract help with arthritis?

While purslane extract showed 44-99% inflammation inhibition in laboratory studies, no human trials have tested its effects on arthritis specifically. The anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential benefits, but clinical evidence is needed to confirm efficacy for joint conditions.

### Is purslane extract better than fish oil for omega-3s?

Purslane extract provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), while fish oil contains EPA and DHA, which are more readily used by the body. Purslane offers additional betalains and phenolic compounds that fish oil lacks, but fish oil provides superior omega-3 bioavailability.

### Does purslane extract have any side effects?

Purslane as food is very safe, but concentrated extracts haven't undergone formal safety testing. Potential concerns include blood-thinning effects due to omega-3 content and possible uterine stimulation, making it inadvisable during pregnancy without medical supervision.

### What is the difference between purslane extract and whole purslane plant supplements?

Purslane extract is a concentrated form that isolates and amplifies the bioactive compounds like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in the whole plant, whereas whole plant supplements contain the complete plant material with lower concentration of these compounds. Extract forms typically deliver standardized levels of active constituents, making dosing more consistent and allowing for higher potency in a smaller serving size. However, whole plant supplements may provide additional phytochemicals not present in the extraction process.

### Can I get enough omega-3s from purslane extract alone, or should I combine it with other sources?

While purslane extract contains significant α-linolenic acid (35-55% in leaf material), the actual bioavailable omega-3 content per serving depends on extract concentration and dosage form, which varies by brand. Most nutritionists recommend purslane extract as a complementary source rather than a sole omega-3 supplement, especially since conversion of plant-based α-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA in the body is relatively inefficient. Combining purslane extract with other omega-3 sources like flaxseed, chia, or algae supplements may provide more comprehensive omega-3 coverage.

### Is purslane extract safe to take long-term, and what should I monitor?

Long-term safety data for purslane extract supplementation in humans is limited, as most research consists of in vitro or animal studies rather than extended clinical trials. While purslane is a food plant with a history of culinary use, concentrated extracts deliver higher levels of bioactive compounds than whole food, warranting caution with prolonged use. Anyone considering long-term supplementation should consult a healthcare provider, particularly if taking anticoagulants or blood pressure medications, as purslane may have mild antiplatelet and hypotensive effects.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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