Potential Functional Food Products and Molecular Mechanisms of Portulaca Oleracea L. on Anticancer Activity: A Review

Abstract

Portulaca oleracea Linn. (P. oleracea L.) has recently gained attention as a functional food due to the chemical composition of this plant regarding bioactive compounds. The special attention to the use of P. oleracea as an ingredient in functional food products is also due to the promotion of sustainable food. It is an unconventional food plant, and its consumption may contribute to preserving biodiversity due to its cultivation in a polyculture system. Food sovereignty may be achieved, among other strategies, with the consumption of unconventional food plants that are more resistant in nature and easily cultivated in small places. P. oleracea grows spontaneously and may be found in streets and sidewalks, or it may be cultivated with seeds and cuttings propagation. The culinary versatility of P. oleracea opens up opportunities to explore the development of sustainable, functional food products. This mini-review shows that functional food products developed from P. oleracea are already available at the research level, but it is expected that more scientific literature focusing on the development of P. oleracea functional products with proven anticancer activities may be released in the near future. Polysaccharides, some phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and cerebrosides are associated with the inhibition and prevention of carcinogenesis through in vitro and in vivo investigations. The anticancer activities of P. oleracea, its bioactive compounds, and the involved molecular mechanisms have been reported in the literature. The importance of further elucidating the cancer inhibition mechanisms is in the interest of forthcoming applications in the development of food products with anticancer properties for implementation in the human diet.

Application of a Simplex–Centroid Mixture Design to Evaluate the Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Potential of Plants Grown in Mexico

“…Purslane, being an easy-to-find and readily available resistant plant with high nutritional value, has been proposed for the elaboration of functional foods and nutraceutical applications [ 33 , 41 ]. The evidence has shown that when purslane and other quelites are incorporated with other raw materials, such as wheat, or added to different products, such as juices, tomato sauces, or yogurt, they can improve the sensory and technological characteristics and the antioxidant content [ 42 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the genera Amaranthus spp., incorporated in mixture 7, have also shown considerable phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties, which is why they are considered foods rich in phenolic compounds, displaying great potential for their incorporation into functional foods and nutraceuticals [ 43 , 46 , 47 ]. Likewise, the aerial parts of these plants have been proposed for the elaboration of food products, together with other raw materials, for the creation of snacks or drinks due to their phytochemical potential, and as an adjuvant for the prevention and control of chronic diseases [ 42 , 46 ]. In general, plant mixtures have been previously suggested by the literature to increase the content of proteins and phenolic compounds to contribute to the mechanisms that counteract oxidative stress or improve the health status of the patient [ 42 , 45 , 48 ].…”

Liensinine, a Novel and Food-Derived Compound, Exerts Potent Antihepatoma Efficacy via Inhibiting the Kv10.1 Channel

“…Nonetheless, long-term chemotherapy use can engender an array of side-effect, including toxicity and the development of drug resistance . Therefore, the pressing clinical demand necessitates the discovery of pharmaceutical agents that are not only safer but also more efficacious in both the prevention and treatment of liver cancer. , It is worth noting that lifestyle-oriented prevention strategies, particularly those related to dietary choices, offer a promising avenue. , In recent years, researchers have focused on plant-based metabolites as a secure, efficacious, and cost-effective approach to against carcinogenesis. , …”

“…11,12 In recent years, researchers have focused on plant-based metabolites as a secure, efficacious, and cost-effective approach to against carcinogenesis. 13,14 The concept of "food is medicine" represents a unique health theory of traditional Chinese medicine, substantiated by thousands of years of practice and increasingly acknowledged by a growing number of medical institutions. 15 The cancerpreventive potential of various functional food products is attributed to the presence of secondary plant metabolites, commonly termed phytochemicals.…”

Pasta Fortification with Leaves of Edible Wild Plants to Lower the P Glycaemic Index of Handmade Fresh Noodles

“…These compounds could have industrial applications by including them in some foods to realize innovative functional foods with healthful implications on common illnesses, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. In addition, numerous studies have shown that mallow and purslane possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, and cholesterol-reducing properties [3,4].…”