Bronchodilatory effect of Portulaca oleracea in airways of asthmatic patients

Dietary methanol extract of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) can help reduce the negative impacts of triiodothyronine-induced ascites in broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of purslane methanol extract (PME) on broilers suffering from triiodothyronine (T3)-induced ascites. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were divided into four dietary treatment groups: a control diet, a T3 diet (1.5 mg/kg), a T3 diet added with 150 mg/kg PME, and a T3 diet added with 300 mg/kg PME. Results indicated that the T3-treated birds exhibited a higher right ventricle to total ventricle (RV/TV) ratio and increased mortality due to ascites, alongside reduced feed intake, body weight gain, and production efficiency index, while showing a higher feed conversion ratio compared with controls. Despite the lack of significant enhancement in growth performance due to dietary PME supplementation, the group that was administered a diet with 300 mg/kg PME demonstrated an improved production efficiency index, as well as decreased mortality and a reduced RV/TV ratio. Additionally, the birds subjected to T3 treatment displayed diminished activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), in conjunction with elevated malondialdehyde levels compared with the control birds. Supplementation with 300 mg/kg PME increased antioxidant enzyme activities and lowered malondialdehyde concentrations to near control levels. Furthermore, T3 treatment led to elevated red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, which were significantly mitigated by PME supplementation. To conclude, PME effectively mitigates the adverse effects of T3-induced ascites in broilers by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and improving production efficiency, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement in poultry production.

Impact of NPK fertilization on the metabolomic profile and nutritional quality of Portulaca oleracea L. using nuclear magnetic resonance analysis

Purslane is a plant with high nutritional content that is mainly produced in the central part of Mexico. The nutritional content of purslane depends on various factors such as climatic and soil conditions, phenology, and fertilization. This article describes the 1H NMR metabolomics profiling of purslane in relation to fertilization at two harvest stages: C1 and C2 (27 and 42 days after emergence). During the first stage, 30 metabolites were identified including free amino acids and organic acids. In the second stage, 35 metabolites were identified, with higher concentrations of carbohydrates and nucleosides being observed. Multivariate analysis revealed differences in the metabolome between harvests C1 and C2. Notably, higher abundances of fructose, galactose, α-glucose, β-glucose, myo-inositol, sucrose, and nucleosides such as adenosine and uridine were observed in C2. Discriminant analysis further demonstrated variations in metabolites among plants treated with different doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at the two harvest stages studied. Plants treated with the highest dose of nitrogen (300 kg N ha-1) exhibited maximum levels of metabolites, while low nitrogen-treated plants (0 kg N ha-1) displayed an inverse trend. Amino acids such as alanine, asparagine, GABA, glutamine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, threonine, tyrosine, and valine were found to be the most abundant in plants treated with N300. In contrast, untreated plants showed higher levels of citric acid and malic acid. Our results highlight the effectiveness of 1H NMR as a methodology for understanding the role of fertilization and nutrient content in optimizing the crop production of purslane.

Portulaca oleracea Extract Ameliorates Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a distressing health problem that can cause serious complications in aging men. Androgens are implicated in the causation of BPH. Portulaca oleracea (PO) is a natural product with diverse pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PO in a rat model of testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH and explore the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into the following equal groups (n = 7): normal control (NC) group, TP (3 mg/kg) group, finasteride (10 mg/kg) group, 25 and 50 mg/kg PO groups. At the end of the experiment, the body weights (BWs) of the rats were measured before they were euthanized to the establishment obtain serum and prostate weight (PW). TP-induced levels of androgen-related proteins in the prostate were also investigated. In the TP group, prostate size, BW, serum DHT level, prostate epithelial cell thickness and androgen-related protein level were higher than those in the NC group (p < 0.001). PO reversed TP-induced BPH in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01) and its effect was similar to that of finasteride. A similar effect of PO on the androgen-related protein level was also observed. We successfully established a TP-induced BPH rat model. This is the first study to demonstrate that inhibition of androgen-related proteins using PO can alleviate BPH.

A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and potential uses of Portulaca oleracea L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO), popularly known as purslane, has been documented in ethnopharmacology in various countries and regions. Traditional application records indicated that PO might be used extensively to treat the common cold, dysentery, urinary tract infections, coughing, eye infections, skin problems, gynecological diseases, and pediatric illnesses.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper includes a systematic review of the traditional usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, and potential uses of PO to provide an overview of the research for further exploitation of PO resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article uses "Portulaca oleracea L." and "purslane" as the keywords and collects relevant information on PO from different databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, ACS, Wiley, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and ancient meteria medica.

RESULTS

PO is a member of the Portulacaceae family and is grown worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that purslane has the effect of improving eyesight, eliminating evil qi, quenching thirst, purgation, diuresis, hemostasis, regulating qi, promoting hair growth, detoxifying, and avoiding epidemic qi. Recent phytochemical investigations have shown that PO is a rich source of flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, esters, lignans, terpenoids, catecholamines, sterols, and cerebrosides. The purslane extracts or compounds have exhibited numerous biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, metabolic, muscle relaxant, anti-asthmatic and anti-osteoporosis properties. The significant omega-3 fatty acids, vital amino acids, minerals, and vitamins found in purslane also provide nutritional benefits. Purslane as a food/feed additive in the food industry and animal husbandry has caused concern. Its global wide distribution and tolerance to abiotic stress characteristics make it in the future sustainable development of agriculture a certain position.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on traditional usage, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activity, PO is a potential medicinal and edible plant with diverse pharmacological effects. Due to purslane's various advantages, it may have vast application potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries and animal husbandry.

A review on bioactive phytochemicals and ethnopharmacological potential of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

The Portulaca oleracea L. commonly known as purslane is distributed all over the world and easily grows in diverse soil and climatic conditions. It has been traditionally used as a nutritious and ethnomedicinal food across the globe. Various studies have shown that the plant is a rich source of various important phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins such as A, C, E, and B, carotenoids and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is particularly very important because of the presence of a very high concentration of omega-3- fatty acids especially α-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which are not generally synthesized in terrestrial plants. Various parts of purslane are known for ethnomedicinal and pharmacological uses because of its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, skeletal muscle relaxant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-insomnia, analgesic, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, wound healing and antiseptic activities. Due to multiple benefits of purslane, it has become an important wonder crop and various scientists across the globe have shown much interest in it as a healthy food for the future. In this review, we provide an update on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of purslane, its usage as nutritional and an ethnomedicinal plant across the world. We further provide a detailed account on ethnopharmacological studies that have proved the ethnomedicinal properties of purslane.

Experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, a review

Various pharmacological effects for Portulaca oleracea were shown in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of P. oleracea and its derivatives on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases according to update experimental and clinical studies are provided in this review article. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of December 2020. The effects of P. oleracea and its constituents such as quercetin and kaempferol on an animal model of asthma were shown. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents also showed therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in both experimental and clinical studies. The possible bronchodilatory effect of P. oleracea and its ingredients was also reported. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents showed the preventive effect on lung cancer and a clinical study showed the effect of P. oleracea on patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, a various constituents of P. oleracea including, quercetin and kaempferol showed therapeutic effects on lung infections. This review indicates the therapeutic effect of P. oleracea and its constituents on various lung and allergic disorders but more clinical studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of this plant and its constituents on lung and allergic disorders.

The Possible Therapeutic Effects of Some Medicinal Plants for Chronic Cough in Children

The use of plants or their isolated bioactive components for the prevention and treatment of various disorders has been developed. Here, we aim to identify effective medicinal plants for relief of cough and respiratory symptoms in children. The data of this review article were obtained from published articles in scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, until December 2019. The keywords, including "Zataria multiflora Boiss." OR "Portulaca oleracea L." OR "Ferula assa-foetida L." OR "Nigella sativa L." AND "respiratory symptoms" OR "airway inflammation" OR "smooth muscle relaxant effects," were searched individually or combined. The mentioned medicinal plants decreased total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, and eosinophils counts of blood and lung lavage in animal model-induced respiratory disorders. These plants also have protective effects on serum immunoglobulin, antibody titer, eosinophil count, and proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence from the studies indicated that the abovementioned medicinal plants have smooth muscle relaxant properties (bronchodilator effects) via stimulation of β-adrenoceptor or inhibition of muscarinic receptors (in vitro) and also improved the pulmonary function test in clinical settings. These medicinal plants are safe and easy to use. Based on the anti-inflammatory, anti-antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects, the clinical benefit may be assumed, therefore considering a place for these medicinal plants in relieve of chronic cough and symptoms of children's allergy, asthma, and common cold.

Anti-Asthmatic Effects of Portulaca Oleracea and its Constituents, a Review

OBJECTIVES

The medicinal plants are believed to enhance the natural resistance of the body to infections. Some of the main constituents of the plant and derived materials such as, proteins, lectins and polysaccharides have anti-inflammatory effects. Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) were used traditionally for dietary, food additive, spice and various medicinal purposes. This review article is focus on the anti-asthmatic effects of P. oleracea and its constituents.

METHODS

Various databases, such as the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched the keywords including "Portulaca oleracea", "Quercetin", "Anti-inflammatory", "Antioxidant", "Cytokines", "Smooth muscle ", and " Relaxant effects " until the end of Jul 2018.

RESULTS

P. oleracea extracts and its constituents increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IFNγ/IL-4 and IL- 10/IL-4 ratio, but decreased secretion of TNF-α, IL-4 and chemokines in both in vitro and in vivo studies. P. oleracea extracts and quercetin also significantly decreased production of NO, stimulated β-adrenoceptor and/or blocking muscarinic receptors in tracheal smooth muscles. Conclusion: P. oleracea extracts and quercetin showed relatively potent anti-asthmatic effects due to decreased production of NO, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reduced oxidant while enhanced antioxidant markers, and also showed potent relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscles via stimulatory on β-adrenoceptor or/and blocking muscarinic receptors.

A Pharmacological Review on Portulaca oleracea L.: Focusing on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti- Oxidant, Immuno-Modulatory and Antitumor Activities

Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) or Purslane is an annual grassy plant that is distributed in many parts of the world, especially the tropical and subtropical areas. PO has some pharmacological properties such as analgesic, antibacterial, skeletal muscle-relaxant, wound-healing, anti- inflammatory and a radical scavenger. This review article is focused on the anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities of the PO. Anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant and Anti-tumor effects of PO were searched using various databases until the end of August 2018. The online literature was searched using PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Our review showed that PO exerts its effects through anti-inflammatory properties and balancing the adaptive and innate immune system depending on situations. PO acts as immune-modulator and anti-oxidant agent in both inflammatory states by the dominance of Th2 response such as asthma, cancer and atopic dermatitis and evoked Th1 disorders including hepatitis and multiple sclerosis.

The effect of Portulaca oleracea and α-linolenic acid on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

OBJECTIVES:

Various pharmacological effects including antioxidant property of Portulaca oleracea L. were reported previously. In the present study, the effect of the extract of the plant and its constituent, α-linolenic acid (ALA), on oxidant and antioxidant markers of PHA/non-stimulated human mononuclear cells was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The effect of 10, 40, and 160 μg/ml of P. oleracea and 5, 15, and 45 μg/ml of ALA or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) on nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (SH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the supernatant of phytohemagglutinin-A (PHA)- and nonstimulated lymphocytes was examined (n = 6 for each group).

RESULTS:

In nonstimulated cells, dexamethasone, high concentration of the extract (160 μg/ml), and ALA (45 μg/ml) significantly increased thiol, CAT, and SOD values. Dexamethasone and high concentration of ALA significantly reduced MDA value (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, the levels of NO and MDA due to dexamethasone and 160 μg/ml of the extract and 15 and 45 μg/ml of ALA treatment were also reduced in PHA-stimulated cells (P < 0.001 for all cases). Treatment of stimulated lymphocyte by dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of the extract and ALA also leads to increased levels of thiol, CAT, and SOD (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

P. oleracea and ALA, as well as dexamethasone, decreased NO and MDA levels but increased antioxidant agents in human lymphocytes. These results suggest that P. oleracea and ALA may have therapeutic effect in diseases associated with enhancement of oxidation agents as an antioxidant agent.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Portulaca oleracea Extract on LPS-Induced Rat Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are classified as two lung complications arising from various conditions such as sepsis, trauma, and lung inflammation. Previous studies have shown that the extract of the leaves of Portulaca oleracea (PO) possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. In the present study, the effects of PO (50⁻200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (Dexa; 1.5 mg/kg) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI were investigated. Subsequentially, the lung wet/dry ratio; white blood cells (WBC); levels of nitric oxide (NO); myeloperoxidase (MPO); malondialdehyde (MDA); thiol groups formation; super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities; and levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of PO. Our results show that PO suppresses lung inflammation by the reduction of IL-β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE₂, and TGF-β, as well as by the increase of IL-10 levels. We also found that PO improves the level of WBC, MPO, and MDA, as well as thiol group formation and SOD and CAT activities, compared with the LPS group. The results of our investigation also show that PO significantly decreased the lung wet/dry ratio as an index of interstitial edema. Taken together, our findings reveal that PO extract dose-dependently displays anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced rat ALI, paving the way for rational use of PO as a protective agent against lung-related inflammatory disease.

Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of Portulaca Oleracea Ameliorates Total and Differential WBC, Lung Pathology and Oxidative Biomarkers in Asthmatic Rats

The effects of Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea; PO) on total and differential WBC count, and oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as on lung pathology in asthmatic rats were examined. Rats were randomly divided into; control group (C), asthma group, asthma groups treated with either P. oleracea (rats that received PO 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL) or dexamethasone 1.25 μg/mL (D), (n = 8 in each group). Total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count, nitrite (NO₂), nitrate (NO₃), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and thiol levels in rats BALF were evaluated and lung pathological features were studied. Total WBC count, eosinophil, neutrophil and monocyte percentages, levels of NO₂, NO₃, MDA in the BALF and most pathological scores in the lung were increased but lymphocyte percentage, SOD, CAT and thiol levels were decreased in the BALF of asthmatic animals (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with P. oleracea significantly reduced total WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, NO₂, and NO₃, MDA, interstitial fibrosis, emphysema, interstitial inflammation and epithelial damage, but increased lymphocyte, SOD, CAT and thiol levels compared to asthma group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone-treated rats also showed significant improvements in most parameters compared to asthma group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated the ameliorative effects of P. oleracea on total and differential WBC count and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers levels in BALF as well as lung pathological features in asthmatic rats, which propose the usage of this extract as a preventive anti-inflammatory treatment against asthma.

In vivo nonspecific immunomodulatory and antispasmodic effects of common purslane (Portulaca oleracea Linn.) leaf extracts in ICR mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea (common purslane) is used in traditional medicine to cure various illnesses. However, its immune-protective properties and antispasmodic effects still need more pharmacological data if the plant will be utilized in herbal and drug formulations. Therefore, the present study determined the capacity of this plant species to modulate nonspecific immune responses and to confirm its antispasmodic activity in vivo in ICR mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophage, splenic lymphocyte proliferation and plasma lysozyme levels were measured in mice that were immunosuppressed using cyclophosphamide and treated with the ethyl acetate extract of Portulaca oleracea. In addition, the charcoal meal transit test was used to measure intestinal motility using ethanolic (EtOH), hexane (HEX), and ethyl acetate (EA) solvent extracts. Phytochemical analysis was undertaken and DPPH scavenging properties of the three solvent extracts were also determined.

RESULTS

The EA extract of P. oleracea exhibited immunoactivity through significant increase in phagocytosis and higher proliferative response in splenic lymphocytes. Plasma lysozyme level was also higher in EA-treated mice at high dose but this was not statistically significant. Decreased intestinal motility was also exhibited in mice treated with the three leaf solvent extracts compared to the negative control and the acetylcholine-treated group. The antispasmodic activity of the solvent extracts was comparable to that of the atropine-treated group. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins in EA extract in addition to alkaloids and steroids. The EtOH and HEX extracts contain alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids. DPPH scavenging activity was highest in the EA extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the EA extract of P. oleracea leaves ameliorated the immunosuppressive action of cyclophosphamide in mice. The results also indicated that the three solvent extracts of the plant decreased smooth muscle spasms in mice ileum. However, further experiments are warranted to further isolate the plant's immunoactive component. Also, the mechanisms involved in the immunoactivity and antispasmodic properties of P. oleracea deserve full elucidation.

Effects of purslane (<i>Portulaca oleracea</i> L.) powder on growth performance, blood indices, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens with triiodothyronine-induced ascites

Abstract. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of purslane powder (PP) on performance, blood indices, and antioxidant status in broilers with triiodothyronine (T3)-induced ascites. In total, 240 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four treatments, with four replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. The experimental diets included (i) a control diet, (ii) a control diet plus 1.5 mg kg−1 of T3 (T3 diet), (iii) a T3 diet with the addition of 1.5 g kg−1 of PP, and (iv) a T3 diet with the addition of 3 g kg−1 of PP. Feed intake and body weight were measured at 10, 24, 39, and 49 days of experiment. Blood and liver samples were collected from two birds in each replicate at 24 and 49 days of experiment. The T3-treated birds had higher (P < 0. 05) right ventricle to total ventricle (RV ∕ TV) ratio and mortality due to ascites compared with the control. In addition, during the entire experimental period (0 to 49 days of experiment) the T3-treated birds had lower (P < 0. 05) feed intake, body weight gain, and production efficiency index and higher (P < 0. 05) feed conversion ratio compared with the control. Dietary supplementation of PP reduced (P < 0. 05) mortality due to ascites and RV ∕ TV ratio, while the production efficiency index was increased (P < 0. 05) by the addition of PP to the diet. The T3-treated birds had higher (P < 0. 05) red blood cell counts, hematocrit percentage, and hemoglobin concentration compared with the control at 24 and 49 days of experiment. Dietary supplementation of PP substantially alleviated (P < 0. 05) the negative effects of T3 on hematocrit and hemoglobin values at both 24 and 49 days of experiment and on red blood cells counts at 49 days of experiment. The T3 birds showed an increase (P < 0. 05) in activities of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase at 49 days of experiment. However, the detrimental effect of T3 on alanine aminotransferase activity was attenuated (P < 0. 05) by dietary supplementation of PP. The plasma and liver activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were lower (P < 0. 05) in T3-treated birds compared with the control at 24 and 49 days of experiment, whereas malondialdehyde concentrations were elevated (P < 0. 05) by dietary T3 administration. Dietary supplementation of PP, especially at 3 g kg−1, increased (P < 0. 05) the plasma and liver activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced (P < 0. 05) the plasma and liver concentrations of malondialdehyde near to the control levels. It is concluded that the supplementation of 3 g kg−1 of PP in diet improves oxidative status and reduces ascites incidence in broiler chickens without impairing their growth performance.

A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Portulaca oleracea L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Portulaca oleracea L. is a widespread medicinal plant that is used not only as an edible plant, but also as a traditional medicine for alleviating a wide spectrum of diseases. It is a well-known plant in the European Traditional Medicine. PA is mentioned by Dioscorides (40-90 CE), with the name of "andrachne".

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this study, we provide detailed information on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological uses, pharmacokinetics and safety of P. oleracea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive search on electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, conference papers, local herbal encyclopedias, articles, books (in English, French, Arabic, Persian, etc.) and also a number of unpublished handwritten manuscripts was done to find articles have been published between 1956 and 2015 on pharmacology and phytochemistry of P. oleracea.

RESULTS

P. oleracea has been addressed in De Materia Medica as an astringent, and a remedy for headaches, inflammation of the eyes and other organs, burning of the stomach, erysipela, disorders of the bladder, numbness of the teeth, excessive sexual desire, burning fevers, worms, dysentery, hemorrhoids, eruptions of blood, and bites. Phytochemical investigations revealed that this plant a wide range of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and organic acids. The most important pharmacological activities are renoprotective activities and effects on metabolism. P. oleracea could successfully decrease blood glucose and lipid profile of patients with metabolic syndrome. The safety of P. oleracea has been reported in many clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Modern pharmacological studies have now proven many traditional uses of P. oleracea, including anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic, renoprotective and hepatoprotective effects. In addition, in many clinical trials P. oleracea showed no adverse effects and constipation was reported as the most frequent adverse effect.

The influence of hydro-ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea L. on Th1/Th2 balance in isolated human lymphocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants activity of Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) were mentioned in traditional texts. In previous studies, different anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of P. oleracea were demonstrated. However, the mechanism of action and immunomodulatory property of this plant are greatly unknown. In the present study, the effect of the extract of this plant on IL-4, IL10, IFN-γ and T helper (h)1/Th2 balance in non-stimulated and stimulated human lymphocytes was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of three concentrations (160, 40 and 10µg/ml) of P. oleracea or dexamethasone were evaluated on percentage of cell proliferation and nitric oxide (NO) production as well as secretion of cytokines (IL-4, IL10 and IFN-γ) in PHA-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocytes, and compared to control and dexamethasone as positive control (n=15 for each group).

RESULTS

In stimulated cells, dexamethasone significantly inhibited the percentage of cell proliferation, NO production, and secretion of cytokines in comparison to control group (P<0.001 for all cases). The percentage of cell proliferation, NO production, and secretion of cytokines were significantly decreased while Th1/Th2 (IFN-γ/IL-4) and Treg/Th2 (IL-10/IL-4) balances significantly enhanced in treated groups with all three concentrations of extract compared to control group (P<0.001 for all cases). The effect of all concentrations of the extract on cell proliferation, NO production and secretion of cytokines as well as Treg/Th2 balance were significantly lower than dexamethasone (P<0.001 for all cases), but Th1/Th2 ratio obtained in the presence of only low extract concentration was lower than dexamethasone (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Different concentrations of extract promoted Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th2 balances which may suggest the therapeutic value of the plant in inflammatory disease associated with decreased Th1/Th2 balance such as asthma or cancers.

A review of the relaxant effect of various medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle, their possible mechanism(s) and potency

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The therapeutic effects of the medicinal plants described in the current review on obstructive pulmonary diseases have found mention in ancient Iranian medical texts and in traditional folk medicine. These effects are attributed to their bronchodilatory activity, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the airway. Therefore, in the present review, the relaxant effects of various extracts, fractions and constituents of medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle are reviewed in light of their therapeutic effects on obstructive pulmonary diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The online literature was searched using Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and SID (for articles written in Persian). Moreover, local books on ethnopharmacology from 1918 to 2014 were searched with keywords such as tracheal smooth muscle, airway smooth muscle, relaxant effect, bronchodilatory effect and related mechanisms to identify studies on the relaxant effects of medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle and the possible mechanism(s) of these effects.

RESULTS

All studied plants showed significant relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscle, which were similar or superior to the effect of theophylline at the used concentrations. According to the results, most of these plants also showed an inhibitory effect on muscarinic and histamine (H1) receptors, whereas some plants showed more pronounced stimulatory effects on the beta-adrenergic receptor. Some of the studied plants also showed inhibitory effects on calcium and potassium channels.

CONCLUSION

The present article reviewed the relaxant effects of several medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle, which were comparable or superior to the effect of theophylline at the studied concentration. The possible mechanisms of the relaxant effects of the studied medicinal plants and a comparison of these effects were also reviewed. This review presents the fractions and constituents of plants with potent relaxant effects on tracheal smooth muscle, which can be used to treat obstructive pulmonary disease.

Natural Products Useful in Respiratory Disorders: Focus on Side-Effect Neutralizing Combinations

This review summarizes literature related to medicinal plants reputed in traditional medical systems for treatment of asthma and coughs. The plants that are pharmacologically investigated for their effectiveness in such conditions, along with respective experimental protocol details, are also discussed. Some of plant origin compounds, which are considered useful as antitussive and antiasthmatic agents, are described as well. Chrysoeriol, a constituent of Aspalathus linearis (Fabaceae) was observed to be selective for relaxant effect in airways (through K⁺ channel activation), compared with other smooth muscles. We reported that Hypericum perforatum (Hyperieaceae), Andropogon muricatus (Poaceae), Juniper excelsa (Coniferae) and Nepeta cataria (Lamiaceae) exhibit bronchodilatory action, mediated through combination of Ca⁺⁺ antagonist and phospohodiesrase inhibitory mechanisms, which scientifically explains their medicinal use in asthma. Hyocyamus niger (Solanaceae), Artemisia vulgaris (Compositae), Fumaria parviflora (Fumariaceae) and Terminalia bellerica (Combretaceae) caused bronchodilation via dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca⁺⁺ influx. Acorus calamus (Araceae), Carum roxburghianum (Apiaceae), Lens culinaris (Fabaceae) and Lepidium sativum (Cruciferae) mediate bronchodilatation through multiple pathways: anticholinergic and inhibition of Ca⁺⁺ channels and PDE enzyme(s). In conclusion, this review presents an analysis of different novel combinations of pharmacological activities in medicinal plants with side effect-neutralizing/synergistic potential, setting new trends in the therapeutic options for hyperactive respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Genetic improvement of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and its future prospects

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), also known as pigweed, fatweed, pusle, and little hogweed, is an annual succulent herb in the family Portulacaceae that is found in most corners of the globe. From the ancient ages purslane has been treated as a major weed of vegetables as well as other crops. However, worldwide researchers and nutritionists have studied this plant as a potential vegetable crop for humans as well as animals. Purslane is a nutritious vegetable with high antioxidant properties and recently has been recognized as the richest source of α-linolenic acid, essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, glutathione, α-tocopherol and β-carotene. The lack of vegetable sources of ω-3 fatty acids has resulted in a growing level of attention to introduce purslane as a new cultivated vegetable. In the rapid-revolutionizing worldwide atmosphere, the ability to produce improved planting material appropriate to diverse and varying rising conditions is a supreme precedence. Though various published reports on morphological, physiological, nutritional and medicinal aspects of purslane are available, research on the genetic improvement of this promising vegetable crop are scant. Now it is necessary to conduct research for the genetic improvement of this plant. Genetic improvement of purslane is also a real scientific challenge. Scientific modernization of conventional breeding with the advent of advance biotechnological and molecular approaches such as tissue culture, protoplast fusion, genetic transformation, somatic hybridization, marker-assisted selection, qualitative trait locus mapping, genomics, informatics and various statistical representation have opened up new opportunities of revising the relationship between genetic diversity, agronomic performance and response to breeding for varietal improvement. This review is an attempt to amalgamate the assorted scientific information on purslane propagation, cultivation, varietal improvement, nutrient analyses, medicinal uses and to describe prospective research especially for genetic improvement of this crop.

Evaluation of adverse events reported in traditional Iranian medicine following administration of aqueous extract of herba portulacae oleraceae seed

OBJECTIVE

To find scientific reasons for adverse events reported in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) following administration of aqueous extract of Herba Portulacae Oleraceae seed including itching and tingling of whole body, tachycardia, anxiety, dyspnea and severe nausea.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to April 2013 to find papers focused on phytochemistry and biological activities of this plant.

RESULTS

Among chemical constituents present in Herba Portulacae oleraceae, catecholamines, adenosine and niacin can cause adverse events similar to those reported in TIM.

CONCLUSION

Because of the short duration of action of adenosine, catecholamines and niacin seems to be the major role in appearance of adverse events reported in TIM for Herba Portulacae Oleraceae seed. Mechanisms with consideration of receptor types and pharmacokinetics of catecholamine and niacin are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.

Portulene, a new diterpene from Portulaca oleracea L

Chromatographic fractionation of the chloroform extract of Portulaca oleracea L. growing in Egypt afforded a new clerodene diterpene portulene (1), in addition to the known compounds lupeol (2), beta-sitosterol (3), and daucosterol (4), which were reported for the first time from the title plant. The structures of the isolated compounds were unambiguously established through 1D, 2D, and mass spectral analyses. Co-treatment of CCl(4) hepatic injured rats with 70% alcohol extract of P. oleracea significantly restored the hepatic marker enzymes and total bilirubin to near-normal values, which demonstrated hepatoprotective activity. In addition, the P. oleracea extract showed antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Anti-leishmanial and immunomodulatory activities of extracts from Portulaca hirsutissima and Portulaca werdermannii

Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts from aerial parts of Portulaca werdermannii and P. hirsutissima were tested in lymphoproliferation assays and axenic cultures of Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. Both extracts of P. werdermannii and P. hirsutissima had a potent inhibitory activity on lymphocyte proliferation. On the contrary, only the chloroformic extract of both plants inhibited L. amazonensis growth, without effect on T. cruzi cultures. These results indicate these Portulaca species as potential sources of new active molecules for the treatment of leishmaniasis and immune-mediated pathologies.

Comparison of plants used for skin and stomach problems in Trinidad and Tobago with Asian ethnomedicine

This paper provides a preliminary evaluation of fifty-eight ethnomedicinal plants used in Trinidad and Tobago for skin problems, stomach problems, pain and internal parasites for safety and possible efficacy. Thirty respondents, ten of whom were male were interviewed from September 1996 to September 2000 on medicinal plant use for health problems. The respondents were obtained by snowball sampling, and were found in thirteen different sites, 12 in Trinidad and one in Tobago. The uses are compared to those current in Asia. Bambusa vulgaris, Bidens alba, Jatropha curcas, Neurolaena lobata, Peperomia rotundifolia and Phyllanthus urinaria are possibly efficacious for stomach problems, pain and internal parasites. Further scientific study of these plants is warranted.