What are the Benefits of Purslane?

Purslane, also known as pirpirim, is a warm-climate, herbaceous, succulent, and annual plant.

Purslane, also called pirpirim, is a warm-climate, herbaceous, succulent, and annual plant. Purslane has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the most commonly used medicinal plants. It grows in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Australia, with a fleshy stem and leaves. This plant, which has spread across a wide range of geographies, is commonly used in soups, salads, and dishes. Data indicate that its benefits include a broad spectrum of effects such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcerogenic properties.

Purslane has a rich nutritional value and has positive effects on eye, bone, and muscle health, wound healing, immune system support, antioxidant balance in the body, and cardiovascular health. These effects are attributed to its content of various vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and sterols. Purslane, which grows in many regions, is commonly found in fields as well as grasslands.

Based on information passed down through generations, it has been used for constipation relief, muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory purposes, and for treating osteoporosis and psoriasis. It is also noted for its benefits as an herbal remedy for dysentery, eczema, and snake and insect bites. Additionally, some sources indicate that it helps cleanse the blood, urea, and other toxins, aids in relieving constipation due to its high fiber content, reduces nervous breakdowns and mental fatigue, and assists with the expulsion of kidney stones and gravel.

Purslane has a smooth texture, reddish, hairless, and ground-level stem with green-yellow leaves. It is mildly sour, salty, and completely edible. Due to its hardy nature, it can grow in dry and hot areas without requiring much water. It is easily cultivable and is an ideal food source for regions facing food shortages. Among leafy green vegetables, purslane has one of the highest vitamin contents and is extremely nutritious. Additionally, purslane extracts have shown slight antibacterial and antifungal properties against microorganisms.

What Does Purslane Contain?

The purslane plant contains many medically important components. Purslane leaves, stems, and flowers include various chemical compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, sterols, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, purslane is high in omega-3, an essential unsaturated fatty acid.

Purslane is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a role in growth, development, and disease prevention. Since the human body cannot synthesize omega-3, it must be obtained through diet. Purslane contains significant amounts of minerals such as:

Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Iron
Sodium
Copper
Manganese

In addition to its high mineral content, purslane is the leafy green vegetable with the highest vitamin A content. Besides vitamin A, a natural antioxidant, it is rich in B-complex vitamins such as thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6); as well as glutathione, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and vitamins E and C. Therefore, purslane has a valuable place in nutrition with its antioxidant content.

What Are the Health Effects of Purslane?

Purslane is an important food that may benefit the immune system, cardiovascular health, cancer, and inflammation issues. Its effects on human health can be detailed as follows:

• Cardiovascular health: With its omega-3 component, it helps lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and raise beneficial high-density lipoprotein levels. Purslane, which is free from cholesterol, is a useful omega-3 source compared to high-calorie, high-cholesterol fish oils. Due to omega-3’s blood-thinning properties, it may be effective in treating vascular diseases by preventing clotting.
• Cancer: Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cellular damage by reducing the number of free radicals in the body, which may reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidants in purslane include beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and melatonin, which help neutralize free radicals and thus may aid in preventing not only cancer but also cardiovascular diseases.
• Bone and muscle health: Purslane is a good choice for bone and muscle health due to its significant calcium and magnesium content. Calcium is one of the most common minerals in bones and muscles, and its deficiency can weaken the skeletal system. Alongside calcium, magnesium also affects bone health. Adequate intake of calcium and magnesium minerals can help reduce the risk of bone diseases associated with aging. Additionally, some studies report that a purslane ointment helped reduce pain intensity in elderly patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
• Growth and development: Purslane is a rich source of folate, which plays a supportive role in safe cell division and DNA replication. Folate is a nutrient recommended particularly before and during pregnancy, as folate deficiency in babies can lead to various birth defects.
• Nervous system disorders: Recent studies suggest that purslane could be a promising treatment option for certain nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, epilepsy, and hypoxia, through mechanisms like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. However, further research is needed to determine its long-term neurological effects and mechanisms.
• Purslane is widely used in various countries for diverse purposes. In folk medicine, it is used to treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, psoriasis, and hematochezia (bloody stools), as well as for muscle relaxation, as a diuretic, and as an anti-inflammatory. It functions as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant across these treatments.

What Are the Side Effects of Purslane?

Purslane leaves are high in oxalate content, which has been associated with kidney stone formation. Purslane seeds have higher oxalate values compared to other parts. Individuals with kidney stones or a predisposition to them should be cautious, especially when consuming purslane seeds. If purslane is consumed in large amounts, consulting a doctor is recommended. Also, due to its water-rich nature, purslane seeds tend to retain more salt. Individuals following a low- or no-salt diet should monitor their salt intake when consuming purslane.

Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to purslane, so any allergies should be checked beforehand.

It is important to be cautious regarding the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. The possible effects of complex purslane mixtures should be better investigated pharmacologically and physiologically. Traditional purslane formulations should not be used at high doses or for extended periods, as they may exhibit toxic effects.

How to Consume Purslane

Purslane is widely cultivated in various climates and regions. Due to its sour, salty, and juicy nature, it adds flavor to salads and dishes. Its leaves and stems can be consumed raw, either alone or with other vegetables, making it an ideal option for salads. Purslane can also be cooked and consumed as a meal or soup. The leaves, flowers, and stems of purslane, which can also be pickled, are entirely edible.

Purslane should be thoroughly washed to remove any soil or pesticides. It can usually be found easily in the spring and summer seasons. It can be consumed as a garnish, sautéed, or mixed with grilled vegetables. It can easily be used with various food groups along with different sauces and spices.

Individuals with serious health issues should consult their doctor before consuming large amounts of purslane or using supplements containing purslane components. In case of an allergic reaction after consuming purslane, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.