Alkaloids in Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of extraction and purification, structural characteristics, bioactivity, and application

Portulaca oleracea L. (POL), which can be used for both medicinal and edible purposes, is distributed all over the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it clears heat, resolves toxins, and cools blood etc. POL is rich in various compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Among these, alkaloids are recognised as one of the primary active constituents, exhibiting diverse biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects. To date, the literature has predominantly focused on the structural identification, biological activities, and application. However, the extraction and purification methods, biological activities, mechanisms of action, and applications are poorly understood. Moreover, there is a notable lack of comprehensive review studies dedicated to POL alkaloids. This review aims to fill this gap by summarising the extraction and purification techniques, structural characteristics, biological activities, and modern applications of POL alkaloids, thereby providing a valuable reference for future research and development in this area.