Abstract:  Premise of the study: Portulacaceae is a family with a remarkable diversity in photosynthetic pathways. This lineage not only has species with different C 4 biochemistry (NADP-ME and NAD-ME types) and C 3 -C 4 intermediacy, but also displays different leaf anatomical confi gurations. Here we addressed the evolutionary history of leaf anatomy and photosynthetic pathways in Portulacaceae.  Methods: Photosynthetic pathways were assessed based on leaf anatomy and carbon isotope ratios. Information on the NADP-ME and NAD-ME C 4 variants was obtained from the literature. The evolutionary relationships and trait evolution were estimated under a Bayesian framework, and divergence times were calibrated using the ages obtained in a previous study.  Key results: C 4 photosynthesis is the main pathway in Portulacaceae. One clade (Cryptopetala), however, includes species that have non-Kranz anatomy and C 3 type isotope values, two of which are C 3 -C 4 intermediates. The ancestral leaf anatomy for the family is uncertain. The analysis showed one origin of the C 4 pathway, which was lost in the Cryptopetala clade. Nevertheless, when a second analysis was performed taking into account the limited number of species with NAD-ME and NADP-ME data, a secondary gain of the C 4 pathway from a C 3 -C 4 intermediate was inferred.  Conclusions: The C 4 pathway evolved ca. 23 Myr in the Portulacaceae. The number of times that the pathway evolved in the family is uncertain. The diversity of leaf anatomical types and C 4 biochemical variants suggest multiple independent origins of C 4 photosynthesis. Evidence for a switch from C 4 to C 3 -C 4 intermediacy supports the hypothesis that intermediates represent a distinct successful strategy.

Abstract: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea; Portulacaceae) is an herbaceous plant that is a source of nutrients and biologically active compounds including free oxalic acids, alkaloids, omega-3 fatty acids, coumarins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinone, protein, α-linolenic acid and β-carotene, mono terpene glycoside, N-trans-feruloyltyramine, and vitamin C. It has been reported to possess potent pharmacological activities as antioxidant, anti-kinetic fatigue, antidiabetic, neuronal, hypocholesterolemic, skeletal muscle relaxant, antimicrobial, nephrotoxicity, hepato protection, anti-inflammatory, and a cosmetic ingredient. Phytochemical constituents isolated from this plant include steroids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, alkaloids, and saponins.

Abstract: Portulaca oleracea L. belongs to the family Portulaceae, is a warm-climate annual herb, known as khurfa in Arabic and common purslane in English. The plant is succulent, herbaceous, erect or decumbent growing up to 30 cm height with cylindrical stem of 2-3 mm in diameter. The plant, which is common weed of cultivation, are eaten as a vegetable and used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, since antiquity this plant has been used for the treatment of various ailments like skin diseases, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, bleeding piles, kidney, liver, spleen diseases etc. The qualitative phytochemical studies of this plant extract showed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinone, saponins, tannins etc. The plant is reported to have versatile biological activities like antipyretic, antitussive, diuretic, hypolipidemic, antiulcerogenic, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial properties etc. The present review is an endeavour to summarize the recent knowledge of significant traditional uses, pharmacognosy and pharmacological activities of the plant P. oleracea.

Abstract: Portulacaceae is a monogeneric family with around 100 species distributed around the world. Seed morphology is diverse in this group, and its variation has been used for taxonomic and identification purposes. However, documentation of seed morphology has focused on a few species complexes or has been limited to specific countries and geographic areas. Moreover, the terminology employed in different investigations is heterogeneous, thus complicating analyses of seed morphological diversity in Portulacaceae. In this study, the seed morphology of 58 samples representing 49 species, 9 subspecies, and 2 cultivars of Portulaca was documented with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the examination of the resulting images, a set of morphological features for describing the general shape of the seeds and their individual cell features is proposed; in addition, morphological descriptions for all taxa included in this study are provided. The results indicate that the shape of the seeds was constant within species, contrary to the characters that describe individual cell features, which showed important variation even within the same seed sample. In particular, the outline of the cells and the curvature of the anticlinal cell walls (ACW) were very variable, so a combination of character states was needed to describe the overall diversity of a sample. Conversely, the relief of the periclinal cell walls (PCW) was relatively constant throughout the seeds of the same species, but the relief of the cells of the lateral and peripheral faces was dissimilar in a number of taxa. In addition, other studies provide evidence that the relief of the PCW may vary in widely distributed species. Increased taxon sampling and multiple samples of species with wide geographical ranges will facilitate the study of patterns of variation, and may provide insights into the role of environmental variables on seed diversity of Portulacaceae.

Abstract: Portulaca oleracea is a ubiquitous garden weed that has been traditionally used as antidiabetic and anti-inflammation agent. However, the potential anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of Portulaca oleracea towards cancerous cells are still unclear. Human hormone dependent breast cancer MCF-7 cell, colon cancer HT-29, cervical cancer Hela cell and nasopharyngeal cancer CNE-1 cell were used in this study. P. oleracea was extracted using methanol and the cytotoxicity against various cancerous cell lines was evaluated using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide solution (MTT) assay. The antiproliferation effect and cell cycle arrest were assessed using BrdU proliferation assay and flow cytometry cell cycle RNase/PI analysis, respectively. Portulaca oleracea methanol extract was able to reduce viability of all the tested cancerous cell lines. However, IC50 was only observed in CNE-1 cell (92 μg/mL). BrdU incorporation assay indicated anti-proliferation of Portulaca oleracea treated MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in the sub G0/G1cell population phase observed by cell cycle analysis indicates the occurrence of apoptotic events. In conclusion, Portulaca oleracea showed anti-proliferative effect on CNE-1, HeLa and HT-29 and DNA fragmentation on MCF-7 cells.

Abstract: Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the antiurolithiasis activity of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea Linn. Methodology: The activity of the plant was studied using the ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) and ammonium chloride (2% w/v) induced urolithiasis model in albino rats. Several parameters were used including urinary volume, urine pH, urine and serum parameters to assess the activity. The ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea was administered in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 15 days. Standard drug used was cystone. Results: Treatment with the extract restored all the elevated biochemical parameters including serum and urine (calcium, creatinine, urea, BUN), restored the urine pH to normal and increased the urine volume significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to disease control group. The histopathological studies confirmed the induction of lithiasis as microcrystal deposition was observed in section of kidney from animals treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. This was reduced, however, after treatment with the extract. Conclusion: These observations enable us to conclude that the ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea is effective against ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced urolithiasis in albino rats.

Abstract: Two experiments, a Petri dish assay and a pot experiment were carried out to evaluate possible allelopathic effects of water extracts (0, 10 and 20 g L−1) of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) on germination and growth of purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Results showed that germination percentage of purslane seeds was not inhibited by concentration of water extract of test plants. However, seed vigour and seedling growth strongly influenced by aqueous extracts of test plants. Maximum inhibitions on seedling growth were recorded when using the highest concentration of the aqueous extract (20 g L−1). It was apparent that sugar beet had a greater inhibitory effect than eucalyptus. Shoot length of purslane seedlings significantly decreased at 10 and 20 g L−1 aqueous extract concentration of sugar beet by 65.5 and 92.1% respectively compare to control, while eucalyptus decreased seedling shoot length of target weed at 10 and 20 g L−1 extract concentration by 29.8% and 52.9% respectively. Root length was more affected than shoot so that low aqueous extract concentration (10 g L−1) of sugar beet and eucalyptus decreased root length of target weed by 79.8% and 46% respectively. Foliar sprays with both 10 and 20 g L−1 of test plants extracts significantly decrease leaf area, leaves, stem and root dry weight of Portulaca oleracea. Maximum leaf area (1010 cm2) was obtained from the untreated plants (0% extract), while the lowest value (166.6 cm2) occurred with 20 g L−1 water extract of sugar beet. High aqueous extract concentration (20 g L−1) of sugar beet decreased leaves, stem and root dry weight of purslane plants by 96%, 86.7% and 91.9% respectively.

Abstract: Hairy root cultures of Portulaca oleracea produce the noradrenaline. In an attempt to increase productivity, the effect of yeast extract as biotic elicitor , on the production of Noradrenaline in Portulaca oleracea hairy roots culture was examined. The yeast extract concentration used, were 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/l. After 2days of induction with different doses of yeast extract, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for simultaneous detection and identification of noradrenaline in the extracts of P. oleracea by comparison with standards available. The optimal doses of yeast elicitor were 250 and 500 mg, that causes, respectively threefold and fivefold increased in the production level of noradrenaline compared with control cultures.

Abstract: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of dementia-induced agent, aluminum(Al) and the protective effect of Portulaca oleracea L.(PO) extract on the Al-induced cytotoxicity in cultured neuroglioma cells(C6 glioma). Cultured C6 glioma cells were treated with aluminum chloride(AlCl3) or PO extract. In this study, AlCl3 significantly decreased cell viability compared with control, and XTT50 was determined at a concentration of 121.5uM. Therefore, AlCl3 was midcytotoxic by the criteria of Borenfreund and Puerner. While, AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity was prevented by vitamin E, an antioxidative enzyme. In the protective effect of PO extract on AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity, PO extract prevented AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity by the significant increase of cell viability. And also, PO extract showed antioxidative effects such as superoxide dismutase(SOD)-like activity, the inhibitory activity of lipid peroxidation(LP) and the decrease of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity. it is suggested that AlCl3 was midcytotoxic to cultured C6 glioma cells and the cytotoxicity was involved in oxidative stress. PO extract was effective in the prevention of AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity by the antioxidative effect. Therefore, natural component such as PO extract may be a putative resources for preventing reactive oxygen species(ROS)-related diseases such as dementia or stroke.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing freeze-dried portulaca oleracea L. The process comprises the following steps of: (1) removing impurities from a fresh portulaca oleracea L. raw material; (2) loading the raw material into a tray at a tray-loading weight of 5-8kg/m , gradually lowering the temperature to be between -20 and -60 DEG C, and prefreezing; (3) carrying out sublimation drying and vacuum pumping until the absolute pressure of a system is 40-60Pa, starting heating to raise the temperature to be 30-60DEG C, and carrying out sublimation drying for 15-24 hours; and (4) carrying out resolution drying to keep the temperature of the material to be 35-65DEG C and ensure that the water content reaches 2-3%, thus obtaining the freeze-dried portulaca oleracea L. The portulaca oleracea L. has an obvious anti-fatigue effect.

Abstract: This study was to determine some elements concentration in a few plant used as food. We were collected six different native plants in Gaziantep and its neighbor villages. These plants and their common names; Capsella bursa-pastoris L. (Shepherd's-purse), Rumex acetosella L. (Sheep's sorrel), Urtica dioica L. (Nettles), Portulaca oleraceae L. (Verdolaga), Malva neglecta Wallr. (Mallow) and Sinapis alba L. (Wild mustard). The collected samples were cleaned, cut, and dried at 105 ◦C for 24 h. The samples were dissolved in 14 M HNO3 and residues were dissolved in 1 M HCl after diluated 50 ml ultra-pure water. After mineralization, the metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. We were investigated contents of some nutrient and trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, K, Fe, Ca and Na) in these plants. According to result of our study, especially Portulacca oleraceae L. high concentration than other plants in terms of Cu, Pb, Zn and K. Highest Na concentration identified the Rumex acetosella L. but, Urtica dioica L. is least concentration than other plants in terms of all elements. We identified as the result of study, Portulaca oleraceae L. inclined to accumulation to heavy metals.

Abstract: The morphological features of pollen grains collected from the broad-leaved and cylindrical-leaved Portulaca species of the Hawaiian Islands were investigated. The variation in size and surface pattern were examined using scanning electron microscopy and statistical analysis. Pollens of the Portulaca were apolar grains of monads exhibiting apertures, colpi, and relatively thin echini. Of particular interest was the differing size of pollen grains among the species studied. Pollens of the broad-leaved Portulaca were considerable in size with a length of about , while the cylindrical-leaved Portulaca tended to have smaller pollen grains ranging from 50~65 in diameter. The smallest pollens were found in cultivar 2 having an average of . The pollen was intectate, and the exine surface appeared granulous, having sculptured elements of spinules and puncta. Two types of puncta were discerned; one forming an operculum, and the other, a simple perforation. Numerous spinules and small puncta were found throughout the cylindrical-leaved Portulaca. In the present study, morphological features of pollen grains from ten Hawaiian Portulaca species, including endemic and unknown taxa, revealed the aforementioned pattern of variation. This paper aim to provide morphological information that could be of phylogenetic value within the Hawaiian Portulaca.

Abstract: Distributions of 31 weed species belonging to 15 families were recorded in maize fields from five sites in Mankial valley from June to September, 2012 Poaceae was the leading family with 7 species, followed by Polygonaceae with 4 species and Amaranthaceae with 3 species Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantaginaceae and Lamiaceae had 2 species each Balsaminaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Convolvulaceae, Equisetaceae, Malvaceae, Onagraceae and Portulacaceae were each represented by one species The composition of the weed species differed at each site Amaranthus was among the top three species at three sites; Portulaca, Pennisetum, Rumex and Equisetum were each among the top three species in two fields Communities’ formation was Fagopyrum-Portulaca-Amaranthus (with IVI of 5602, 5087 and 4478 respectively), Pennisetum-RumexPortulaca (with IVI 4041, 3243, 3063 respectively), SorghumEquisetum-Portulaca (with IVI 5495, 4626 and 3495 respectively), Pennisetum-Rumex-Amaranthus (with IVI 6387, 4287 and 3875 respectively) and Equisetum-Amaranthus-Malva (with IVI 9905, 3273 and 2581 respectively)

Abstract: Ngosong, C., Halpern, M. T., Whalen, J. K. and Smith, D. L. 2013. Purslane ( Portulaca oleracea L.) has potential for desalinizing greenhouse recirculation water. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 961–964. Recirculating fertigation solutions improves the environmental sustainability of hydroponics-based vegetable production in Canada. Purslane is an edible halophyte with proported medicinal benefits that could absorb excess salts from recirculation water. It grew well in hydroponic solutions with up to 1000 mg NaCl L−1. Greatest Na absorption occurred during earlier vegetative growth.

Abstract: The effect of oral administration of isolated tetracyclic steroid constituent of Portulaca oleracea at doses of 0.50 mg/kg BW and 0.75 mg/kg BW on reproductive parameters in male albino rats were investigated. The isolated compound was administered on daily basis for 25 days and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay, semen analysis was also carried out. Treatment of rats with 0.50 mg/kg BW and 0.75 mg/kg BW caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in testosterone levels, sperm motility and sperm count as well as significant (p<0.05) increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm cells relative to their respective controls. These findings on the reproductive parameters suggests that isolated tetracyclic steroid constituent of Portulaca oleracea has deleterious effect on reproductive functions in male albino rats.

Abstract: Micromorphology of three species of Portulaca was carried out with the help of light microscopy to determine variations within the species which would aid in correct identification of the plants. Epidermal cells are polygonal with sinuous anticlinal walls in all the three species. Length of epidermal cells of P. grandiflora Hook. is higher than P. oleracea Linn. and P. quadrifida Linn. The leaves of P. quadrifida are epistomatic while the remaining species are amphistomatic with paracytic stomata in all the three species. Mean stomatal index and stomatal frequency are more in P. quadrifida while the mean size of stomata (both length and width) is larger in P. grandiflora for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Based on the diagnostic features, an artificial indented key is prepared.

Abstract: PURPOSE: A fertilizer additive using portulaca oleracea l. plant is provided to enhance nutrient component of crops by increasing content of unsaturated fatty acid in crops. CONSTITUTION: A fertilizer additive includes unsaturated fatty acid extracted from portulaca oleracea l. plant. The portulaca oleracea l. plant is a mixture of one or more selected from purslane, Portulaca grandiflora HOOKER. and Portulacae Herba. The sampling method of the unsaturated fatty acid in the portulaca oleracea l. plant comprises the following carbonizing steps: heating the portulaca oleracea l. plant at 250-400 deg. Celsius for 30-200 minutes under anoxic condition; and processing the heated portulaca oleracea l. plant at 15-50 deg. Celsius for 45-300 minutes.

Abstract: Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the reproductive effect of isolated ergosterol constituent of Portulaca oleracea on reproductive parameters in male albino rats. Methods: The isolated compound was administered on daily basis for 25 days at doses of 0.50 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay, semen analysis was also carried out. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Result: Treatment of rats with 0.50 mg/kg BW and 0.75 mg/kg BW caused decrease in testosterone levels, sperm motility and sperm count as well as increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm cells relative to their respective controls. Conclusion: These findings on the reproductive parameters suggests that isolated ergosterol constituent of Portulaca oleracea has deleterious effect on reproductive functions in male albino rats.

Abstract: Introduction: Portulaca oleracea is a common plant used in south Indian culinary; recently there is increase in research publication on various biological activities of the medicinal herb. The safety of the medicinal herb well accounted by its widespread accepted use of natives yet scientific evaluation on the safety of the herb is not reported. Aim To scientifically evaluate the toxicity profile of the pet - ether extract of Portulaca oleracea by standardized methods. Method A 24hour acute toxicity study followed by 14 day sub-acute toxicity study with serum haematological, biochemical and histopathological analysis’s is evaluated in rodents. Result No observable serious side effects are recorded in acute and sub acute toxicity study for 0.5gm/kg and 1gm/kg pet-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea. There are statistically significant rising (p<0.01) in hemoglobin by 13.25%, 15.42% and 15.04% in Portulaca oleracea 0.5gm, 1gm, and 2gm/kg body weight respectively when compared to control 10.56%. Portulaca oleracea 2gm/kg dose administration for 14 days has revealed oxalate crystal deposits in the kidney. CONCLUSION The pet –ether extracts of Portulaca oleracea 0.5gm, 1gm, and 2gm/kg exhibited zero mortality rates in both acute and sub-acute toxicity studies and found to increase haemoglobin, total cholesterol levels in serum which can be seriously evaluated for further research.

Abstract: − Portulaca oleracea L. is known to have many biological benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-tumor. The objective of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effect of P. oleracea L. against glutamateinduced oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. P. oleracea L. 70% ethanol extract and solvent fractions have the potent neroprotective effects on glutamate-induced nerotoxicity by induced the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in HT22 cells. Especially, ethyl acetate fraction showed higher protective effect. In HT22 cell, P. oleracea L. treatment with ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125) reduced P. oleracea L. ethyl acetate fraction induced HO-1 expression and P. oleracea L. ethyl acetate fraction also increased ERK and JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that treatment of P. oleracea L. caused the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate fraction of 70% ethanol extract of P. oleracea L. significantly protect glutamate-induced oxidative damage by induction of HO-1 via Nrf2, ERK and JNK pathway in mouse hippocampal HT22. Taken together these finding suggest that P. oleracea L. ethyl acetate fraction is good source for taking active compounds and may be a potential therapeutic agent for brain disorder that induced by oxidative stress and neuronal damage.

Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the immunological effect of 70% ethanolic crude extract of Portulaca oleraceaL in the treatment mice mammary adenocarcinoma cell line ( in vivo). Immunological study was done on 4 animalsgroups, 200 mg/ kg .B.W subcutaneously of 70 % ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleraceainjecting for tumor -bearing female mice (group II) and healthy female mice (group III) for 30 days. Tumor �bearing female mice (group I) and healthy female mice (group IV) were treated with D.W. killedalbicanswere utilized for preparation of antigen to estimated the immune response. All groups (I -IV) were immunized at 10 and 20 days of the experiment wit h whole killedCandida albicansantigens subcutaneously. The results showed an increase in delayed type hypersensitivity reaction and antibody titer in tumor -bearing female mice which treated with 200 mg/kg B.W ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleraceaS/C (groupII)(5.18±0.21mm, 618.0±2.22 ) respectively, compared with distilled water treated tumor �bearing female mice (group I) ( 2.55±0.06 mm, 34.67±1.48 ) respectively. While values of healthy female mice treated with ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea(group III) were ( 5.96±0.01 mm, 981.33±5.34) respectively, compared with distilled water treated healthy female mice (group IV) ( 3.58 ±0.21mm, 128±9.60) respectively.

Abstract: Petroleum-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea leaves (300 and 600mg/kg. p.o) showed diuretic activity in rats. The acute toxicity, orally evaluated in mice, was found to be higher than 3000mg/kg.

Abstract: Portulaca Rose has been very popular because it is resistant to the environment. Grow faster and it has many colors. High annealing temperature random amplified polymorphic DNA (HAT-RAPD) technique was used to amplify the total DNA from 8 cultivars of Portulaca grandiflora. Seventy-two random primers were screened and 15 primers could be used for DNA fingerprinting and used to analyze all cultivars. The result showed that a dendrogram constructed based on polymorphic bands showed genetic similarities among 8 clusters with similarity coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.93.

Abstract: A Portulaca plant particularly distinguished by having a cherry red flower color, flower blooming period from spring to fall and a semi-mounding, upright, and vigorous plant growth habit, is disclosed.