Besides overall health benefiting properties, studies have shown that purslane contains phytochemicals and nutrients associated with anticarcinogenic properties, namely1,5:
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- α and β-carotene
- chlorophyll
- polyphenols
- phenolic compounds such as kaempferol and apigenin
- homoisoflavonoids
- polysaccharides
- cerebroside compound – portulacerebroside A
- alkaloids
Anti-cancer Activities of Purslane
Purslane has been studied for its anti-cancer activities in a diversity of cancers1, such as pancreatic cancer16, glioblastoma multiforme17, colon cancer18, hepatocellular carcinoma14,19, lung cancer19, gastric cancer20, sarcoma21, cervical22, ovarian cancer23.
The mechanisms of anti-cancer action are diverse, and related to the many compounds mentioned above.
Mechanisms of action making purslane an anti-cancer food 1,2,14,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
- Bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant properties.
- Could reduce metastasis and invasion.
- Immune system modulator and stimulator.
- Free radical scavenger.
- Found to Inhibit tumor formation and growth of cancer cells.
- Has cytotoxicity and apoptotic effect.
- Excellent potential for use in drug-targeted therapies.
Conclusions
The potential anti-cancer benefits of purslane are extremely impressive. The anti-cancer action of purslane is associated with its high levels of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, and other nutrients such as minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, and diverse and unique bioactive compounds. A study published in 20221 concluded that the anticancer activity of purslane results from the “polysaccharides, some phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and cerebrosides1” detected in the plant and associated “with inhibition and prevention of carcinogenesis1.” Studies also show that purslane can significantly inhibit tumor cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner5 and that its effects are exerted “through anti-inflammatory properties and balancing the adaptive and innate immune system depending on situations5.”
Of high relevance is the fact that the extracts of purslane used in these studies did not show any cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, making it a safe vegetable for daily human consumption5.
Besides the direct use of purslane and its extracts for medicinal purposes, the phytochemical richness of this plant can also be used for developing future plant-derived drugs2.
We will finish citing one of the most recent reviews on purslane, published in 2021 – A review on bioactive phytochemicals and ethnopharmacological potential of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.):
“In a nutshell, purslane is an important future crop for achieving sustainable development goals – no poverty, zero hunger and good health and wellbeing of the people respectively2.”
References
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Vanessa Pinto graduated with a degree in Biology and Masters in Ecology from Lisbon University. After graduating, she underwent a series of professional and personal growth experiences, including being an officer in the Portuguese Army, working in countries as diverse as Iceland and Costa Rica. Vanessa became certified as a Yoga and Meditation teacher in rural India.
Being a compassionate person by nature, Vanessa is able to bring her connectedness when working with others while enhancing the importance and practicality of a pragmatic evidence-based approach to facilitating lasting and permanent change. Vanessa is a certified health coach whose specialties are nutrition, exercise, and mind/ body connection. She works both in Portugal, Thailand and USA, where she develops her work closely with people diagnosed with cancer, mainly in the areas of nutrition, movement and health education.
