Background: Recently, there is an increasing market trend for innovative functional/power foods and
dietary supplements from natural compounds. Therefore the evaluation of potential species that could be
used for that purpose is of major importance. Common purslane is such a species due to its high
nutritional value, since it is considered the richest plant source in omega-3 fatty acids (especially alinolenic
acid).
Scope and approach: In this review all the aspects related with chemical composition and health effects
of common purslane are presented. Additionally, an overview of cultivation practices and breeding
prospects and their effect on quality are also presented. Special interest is given on bioactive compounds
such as a-linolenic acid and oxalic acid due to their important effects on human health.
Key findings and conclusions: Purslane has been used in human diet throughout the centuries, however
there are health concerns regarding its oxalic acid content that limit the recommendation of its regular
use in human diet. Cultivation practices and breeding selection have been confirmed to allow for
managing the content of the main bioactive compounds and consequently increase the added value of
the final product. However, further studies are need in order to incorporate purslane in food industry,
either as raw, minimally processed and processed food product, or as an ingredient in food and dietary
supplements and drugs. In conclusion, the high nutritional and therapeutic value of common purslane
should be further capitalized, whereas the application of proper cultivation practices could contribute to
this purpose by improving quality.
