Nutraceutical health benefit and safety utility of Portulaca oleracea: A review focus on neuroendocrine function

Portulaca oleracea, a traditional medicine with bioactive compounds like flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids, has gained interest in its neuroendocrine and toxicological effects. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the neuroendocrine and toxicological activities of Portulaca oleracea. This review also highlights the potential mechanisms of action of these activities. A literature search was conducted using various databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as 'Portulaca oleracea,' 'purslane,' 'neuroendocrine activity,' and 'toxicological activity' were used to identify relevant articles. Only studies published in English were included in this review. Portulaca oleracea has been found to improve testicular and cognitive function as well as memory in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral ischemia due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. On the other hand, Portulaca oleracea has also been reported to possess toxicological activities. Studies have shown that high doses of Portulaca oleracea extract can cause liver and kidney damage in animal models. The toxic effects of Portulaca oleracea are thought to be due to the presence of oxalates and nitrates in the plant. However, these toxic effects have not been observed in human studies, where Portulaca oleracea was found to be safe for consumption. In conclusion, Portulaca oleracea, a medicinal plant with potential health benefits, has neuroendocrine effects like neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and anti-depressant properties. However, high doses should be used cautiously due to potential toxicological effects.