Portulaca Oleracea Research Articles

Weeds: A Vibrant Source for Eco-dyeing

The concept of color has consistently played a significant role in developing various human societies globally. It impacts all aspects of our lives, including the clothes we wear. As a result, the synthetic textile colouring industry has grown significantly. On the contrary, there has been a resurgence in the attention towards natural dyes due to the environmental apprehensions of synthetic dyes and their harmful health effects, as natural dyes are perceived to be more sustainable. Weeds are plants that are out of place and undesirable in a particular environment. Converting these plants into valorized products will be an efficient way of managing them. Many weeds have been identified as potential sources of natural plant pigments like anthocyanins, betalains, carotenoids, and other natural pigments. Using weed plants for dye extraction not only provides an alternative dye source but also helps to reduce weed plant invasion. A variety of natural colours can be extracted from weeds. Furthermore, several invasive species, including wire weed, siam weed, common purslane, etc., can be used to extract different hues and tints.

Yeast Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity Evaluation of Aspterric Acid.

Aspterric acid (AA) is a novel natural product herbicide that targets dihydroxyacid dehydratase in plants. In this study, we introduced two distinct AA biosynthesis-related gene clusters into Saccharomyces cerevisiae and screened the core biosynthetic enzyme, sesquiterpene cyclase, from various fungi. The combination of sesquiterpene cyclase from Aspergillus taichungensis IBT 19404 and two cytochrome P450s from Penicillium brasilianum resulted in the optimal AA synthesis efficiency in yeast, with the highest titer of 33.21 mg/L achieved by optimizing fermentation conditions in shake flasks. Moreover, the herbicidal effects of AA on weed germination and growth were evaluated. Notably, AA strongly inhibited the germination of Amaranthus tricolor, Portulaca oleracea, Bidens pilosa, Lolium perenne, and Leptochloa chinensis. Furthermore, AA could also inhibit the shoot and root growth of weeds with a superior inhibitory effect on roots relative to shoots. Our work not only provides a sustainable method for the biosynthesis of AA in yeast but also paves the way for the application of AA as a preemergence herbicide.

Antibacterial, Herbicidal, and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Streptomyces sp. STD57 from the Rhizosphere of Adenophora stricta

Bacterial wilt triggered by the soil-borne pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most serious diseases in tomato plants, leading to huge economic losses worldwide. Biological control is considered an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to manage soil-borne diseases. In this study, Streptomyces sp. STD57 isolated from the rhizosphere of Adenophora stricta showed strong antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum. Pot experiments showed that strain STD57 exhibited a significant biocontrol effect (81.7%) on tomato bacterial wilt in the greenhouse environment. Furthermore, strain STD57 could inhibit the growth of weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Portulaca oleracea, and Echinochloa crusgalli) but promote the growth of crops (wheat, rice, and tomato). The plant growth-promoting substance was identified as indoleacetic acid (IAA) by high-pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and genome analysis. Coarse separation of the fermented extracts revealed that the antibacterial and herbicidal substances were mainly in the fermentation supernatant and belonged to different products. These findings suggested that strain STD57 may be a potential biocontrol and bioherbicide agent useful in agriculture.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of polysaccharide from Portulaca oleracea L.: A review of phytochemistry and immunomodulatory effect

Portulaca oleracea L., a plant with both edible and medicinal properties, is traditionally valued for its diuretic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anthelmintic functions in folk medicine. P. oleracea polysaccharide (POP), a pivotal bioactive component, has various biological activities. Notably, their immunomodulatory capabilities have emerged as a significant area of research. The extraction, purification, monosaccharide composition, structure characterization, and biological activity of POP have been extensively investigated to identify the active components and to clarify their pharmacological actions and underlying molecular mechanisms. It aims to delineate the pharmacological mechanisms and molecular pathways associated with these polysaccharides, thereby underscoring their therapeutic promise and nutritional significance. Furthermore, the review critically examines the current research landscape of POP, identifying gaps and proposing innovative perspectives to enrich the scientific discourse surrounding these bioactive compounds.

Purslane Leaf Extract (Portulaca oleracea) as a Cholesterol Control Herbal Tea Mixture

Cholesterol is one of the essential molecules in humans. An imbalance in cholesterol levels in the body, such as high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or total cholesterol, can contribute to one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. Diseases caused by high cholesterol levels include cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke [6,9,14]. As a result, additional intake from sources like omega-3-rich supplements or herbal remedies is recommended. Historically, plant-based treatments have been used as pharmacological therapies. Researchers have explored the use of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) leaves, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, offering cardiovascular benefits. The researchers utilized purslane extract as an herbal tea blend, serving as a natural alternative to supplements in capsule form, which may be more expensive. In extract form, purslane leaves are hygienically processed and mixed with herbal tea, creating a convenient health drink for daily consumption. The purslane leaf extract was obtained through method maceration using 96% food-grade ethanol. Proximate tests were conducted to assess total energy, energy from fat, ash content, moisture content, carbohydrates (by difference), total fat, and protein content [5,24]. Sensory evaluation was conducted by semi-trained panelists to assess the color, aroma, and taste of herbal tea blends containing purslane leaf extract. This evaluation aimed to collect subjective feedback from potential consumers regarding the organoleptic characteristics of the product.

Deciphering Regulatory Role of Melatonin in Foliar Nastic Movements of Portulaca oleracea: Visual Insights from Histology and Anatomy

AbstractPlant nastic movements exhibit unique behavioural patterns that synchronize with external cues. Given that the foliar nastic motions of Portulaca species are solely circadian, it is intriguing to investigate whether and how melatonin governs these movements. Analysis of histological traits concurrent with anatomical traits such as stomatal behaviour provides visual data on the plant species' gnosophysiology, offering clues and validation of the influence of multiple external stimuli on hydraulic forces that in turn alter turgor pressure. The current study aims to elucidate how exogenous melatonin modulates foliar nastic movements in Portulaca oleracea. Our findings indicate that melatonin functions as an intracellular hydraulic flux controller, influencing idioblast and crystal densities, as well as stomatal behaviour. Timepoint studies at specific Zeitgebers reveal that abiotic variables such as light and temperature can influence the endogenous melatonin concentration of P. oleracea. Therefore, this hormone potentially serves as an additional internal regulator of turgor pressure, influenced by both light and temperature. Thus, melatonin plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristic foliar nastic movements observed in P. oleracea, inherently tied to the circadian rhythm. Further investigation into idioblast and crystal torques, along with their angular momentum, is warranted to calculate the hydraulic forces at work in the leaf lamina. Thus the study underscores the multifaceted role of melatonin in navigating nastic movement processes through turgor pressure alterations brought about by intracellular depositions. The study in future could unravel melatonin's pleiotropic actions and the underlying mechanisms of foliar idiosyncratic nastic motions in other plant species as well. Moreover, both histology and anatomy play vital roles in the present study as it has provided visual evidence of the underlying mechanisms of foliar nastic movements in P. oleracea. Graphical Abstract

Effect of the extraction method on the lipid composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) seed oil

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a widespread weed plant used since ancient times as remedy and as food. Its seed oil possesses significant bioactive potential due to the high content of important phytonutrients, mainly essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Although the total fatty acid composition of oil is well documented, till now there is no data published about individual lipid classes. The information on sterols is scarce as well. Therefore, the aim of this work was to characterize in details for the first time the individual lipid classes and their fatty acid composition, sterols, as well as the oxidative stability of the oil, depending on the extraction method by either hexane, chloroform–methanol mixtures or super-critical CO2. The results revealed no significant effect of extraction method on the individual lipid classes (monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, free sterols, triacylglycerols, sterol esters, wax esters and hydrocarbons), including the fatty acid composition of saponifiables, and quite weak effect on the oxidative stability of the oil regarding super-critical CO2 vs. organic solvents. Detailed analyses of lipid composition confirmed the potential of purslane seed oil as a cheap and highly valuable source of phytonutrients as essential fatty acids and phytosterols, for application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

(E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone, a Major Homoisoflavonoid, Attenuates Free Fatty Acid-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Activating AMPK and PPARα Pathways in HepG2 Cells.

(E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone (HMC), a homoisoflavonoid isolated from Portulaca oleracea, has significant anti-adipogenesis potential; it regulates adipogenic transcription factors. However, whether HMC improves hepatic steatosis in hepatocytes remains vague. This study investigated whether HMC ameliorates hepatic steatosis in free fatty acid-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and if so, its mechanism of action was analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was induced by a free fatty acid mixture in HepG2 cells. Thereafter, different HMC concentrations (10, 30, and 50 µM) or fenofibrate (10 µM, a PPARα agonist, positive control) was treated in HepG2 cells. HMC markedly decreased lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cell; it (10 and 50 μM) markedly upregulated protein expressions of pAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. HMC (10 and 50 μM) markedly inhibited the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-coA desaturase 1, which are the enzymes involved in lipid synthesis. Furthermore, HMC (10 and 50 μM) markedly upregulated the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and enhanced the protein expressions of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase 1. HMC inhibits lipid accumulation and promotes fatty acid oxidation by AMPK and PPARα pathways in free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cells, thereby attenuating hepatic steatosis.

Ginger Phytotoxicity: Potential Efficacy of Extracts, Metabolites and Derivatives for Weed Control

The negative implications for weeds encourage the finding of novel sources of phytotoxic agents for sustainable management. While traditional herbicides are effective, especially at large scales, the environmental impact and proliferation of resistant biotypes present major challenges that natural sources could mitigate. In this study, the potential of ginger metabolites as phytotoxic agents has been investigated for the first time. Root extracts, prepared via various extraction techniques, showed phytotoxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Burgos) coleoptile bioassays at 800–100 ppm, and the most active extract (prepared by sonication with ethyl acetate) was purified by chromatographic methods, yielding seven compounds: five phenolic metabolites with gingerol and shogaol structures, β-sitosterol, and linoleic acid. Some of the major phenolic metabolites, especially [6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol, exerted phytotoxicity on wheat coleoptiles, Plantago lanceolata and Portulaca oleracea (broadleaf dicotyledon weeds). This promoted the study of a collection of derivatives, revealing that the 5-methoxy, oxime, and acetylated derivatives of [6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol had interesting phytotoxicities, providing clues for improving the stability of the isolated structures. Ginger roots have been demonstrated to be a promising source of bioactive metabolites for weed control, offering novel materials with potential for the development of agrochemicals based on natural products.

Agriculture students’ weed collections: Choices of plants and errors in identification

AbstractRequiring students to create weed collections is a common technique for teaching weed identification. Data compiled over 18 years from students’ weed collections in a college‐level course included over 350 species of plants. Almost half of the specimens belonged to the Asteraceae or Poaceae. The 30 most frequently collected species accounted for almost two‐thirds of the specimens but Chenopodium album L., the most frequently collected species, accounted for only 4.8% of the total. Overall, 73.1% of specimens were correctly identified to species. Five species (Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Vicia cracca L., Portulaca oleracea L., Plantago major L., and Asclepias syriaca L.) were correctly identified at least 97% of the time. Misidentification was highest with Scorzoneroides autumnalis (L.) Moench [synonym (syn.) Leontodon autumnalis L.], Malva neglecta Wallroth, Erysiumum cheiranthoides L., Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv., and Erigeron canadensis L. (syn. Conyza canadensis) and within the genera Sonchus L., Setaria P. Beauv., and Digitaria Haller. Misidentification was the lowest in the Equisetaceae, Apocynaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae and highest in the Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, and Asteraceae. Variability in individual species’ morphology may have contributed to misidentification.

Optimization of callus induction protocol from leaf explants of P<i>ortulaca oleracea</i> and assessment of fatty acid profiles

A protocol for optimization of callus culture establishment from leaf explants of Portulaca oleracea L. was developed. The effect of ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) on callus induction and synthesis of fatty acids was evaluated. Callus culture was initiated from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 2,4‑dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4‑D), a combination of 2,4‑D + 6‑benzyl adenine (BA) or 2,4‑D + kinetin. The maximum callus biomass was obtained at 2.5 µM BA + 2.5 µM 2,4‑D (20.22 g leaf explant–1 fresh weight). The leaves treated with EMS (0.1 to 0.4% h–1) differentiated callus on this optimized medium combination. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of fatty acids indicated that the leaves had a high linolenic acid content (17.72%). The callus cultures synthesized heptadecanoic, oleic, and tricosanoic acids, which were otherwise absent in the leaves. Eicosanoic and docosanoic acids in callus cultures were 2.78 and 3.18 times higher than their content in the leaves, respectively. The diversity of fatty acids in treated callus cultures decreased with increased EMS concentration, but the content of a few individual fatty acids was enhanced. Callus at the dose of 0.1% EMS synthesized linoleic acid, which was two times higher than in the untreated callus, while at 0.2% EMS stearic acid was synthesized, which was absent in the untreated callus. It was concluded that the callus of P. oleracea accumulated different fatty acids, and EMS treatment enhanced the content of a few fatty acids in the cultures.

Portulaca oleracea (L.) essential oil inhibits Pestalotiopsis neglecta and controls black spot needle blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (Litv.)

Black spot needle blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica is a common disease caused by Pestalotiopsis neglecta which leads to yellowing and withering of needles, eventually leading to the death of the affected trees. The study investigated the antifungal activity and mechanism of Portulaca oleracea essential oil (POEO) against P. neglecta and its efficacy in controlling black spot needle blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica. In this study, we identified the main components of POEO as linalool and limonene. The antifungal assay proved that POEO could inhibit the growth of P. neglecta, 6 μL/mL of POEO inhibited P. neglecta by 100 % with an EC50 value of 1.16 μL/mL, and the results of scanning electron microscopy confirmed that POEO inhibited the growth of the P. neglecta mycelium. In addition, POEO treatment induced oxidative stress and exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation of P. neglecta, which ultimately caused serious damage to P. neglecta cell membranes and cell contents leakage. POEO also reduced the activity and virulence of polygalacturonase (PG), endo-1,4-β-D-glucose hydratase (EG), and pectate lyase (PL) secreted by P. neglecta, thereby controlling black-spotted needle blight of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, which was able to control black spot needle blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica. In summary, our results revealed the antifungal mechanism of POEO on P. neglecta and provided potential options for controlling black spot needle blight in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and other plant diseases.

Valorization of the performance of novel and natural sodium alginate/pectin/Portulaca oleracea L. ternary composites in the adsorption of toxic methylene blue dye from the aquatic environment

This research introduces the development of a novel, sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly sodium alginate (SA)-pectin (P) ternary composite, enhanced with Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) additive, which has been thoroughly investigated for its efficacy in removing hazardous methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. The selectivity studies using various cationic and anionic dyes were conducted. The composite microbeads that were generated underwent characterization using FTIR-ATR, SEM, XRD, zeta potential, and pHpzc analysis. Subsequently, the most favorable parameters for adsorption, including initial pH (2–12), contact time (0–180 min), adsorbent dosage (0.01–0.20 g), and temperature (298–318 K), were identified. The effect of monovalent and divalent salt concentrations on adsorption process was evaluated. The adsorption data were utilized in several isotherm (Langmuir, Freundlich, D-R, and Temkin) and kinetic (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) models. According to the Langmuir isotherm model was calculated the adsorption capacity at 298 K is 709.22 mg/g for SA/P/PO30 composite microbeads. The process of adsorption was seen to conform to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The results revealed that the process was both exothermic (∆Ho=−10.42kJ/mol) and spontaneous (∆Go=−26.04kJ/molat298K). Moreover, reusability analyses demonstrated that the composite microbeads that were created may be utilized several times, even after the 5th cycle. The results indicate that the developed composite microbeads have the potential to serve as an effective and inexpensive adsorbent for eliminating cationic contaminants from a wastewater.

Phytotoxic Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones-Enriched Fractions from Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves on Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Species and Putative Mode of Action

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are compounds that are highly produced in Cynara cardunculus leaves, known for their phytotoxic activity. This study aims to assess SL-enriched fractions’ (cynaropicrin, aguerin B, and grosheimin) phytotoxic potentials and putative modes of action, compared to an initial extract, using two approaches: first, against a panel of nine weed species in pre-emergence, and then on Portulaca oleracea L.’s post-emergency stage. The SL-enriched fractions demonstrated greater phytotoxic activity when compared with the C. cardunculus leaf initial extract. The SL-enriched fractions had higher activity at root growth inhibition over the panel tested, doubling the activity in five of them at 800 ppm. Regarding the post-emergence bioassay, the SL-enriched fractions had a higher influence on the plants’ growth inhibition (67% at 800 ppm). The SL-effects on the plants’ metabolisms were evidenced. The total chlorophyll content was reduced by 65% at 800 ppm. Oxidative stress induction was observed because of the enhancement in MDA levels at 800 ppm compared to control (52%) and the decrease in SOD-specific activity from 4.20 U/mg protein (400 ppm) to 1.74 U/mg protein (800 ppm). The phytotoxic effects of the SL-enriched fractions suggest that they could be used for a future bioherbicide development.

Isolation, purification and characterization of ‎milk clotting enzyme from leaves of Portulaca ‎Oleracea (purslane) plant against animal and ‎microbial rennet in manufacturing white soft ‎cheese

Isolation, purification and characterization of ‎milk clotting enzyme from leaves of Portulaca ‎Oleracea (purslane) plant against animal and ‎microbial rennet in manufacturing white soft ‎cheese

Impact of Nanoethosomes Loaded with Polyherbal Extracts on the Mechanisms Involved in Wound Healing In-vitro Research.

This study focuses on formulating and optimizing Polyherbal Nanoethosomes for controlled drug delivery, utilizing a polyherbal extract comprising Basella alba L., Portulaca oleracea L., Lawsonia inermis L., Trigonella foenum L., and Peristrophe paniculata L. Comprehensive characterization revealed a variety of secondary metabolites within the extract. The primary goal was to create poly herbal extract-entrapped ethosomes that could be integrated into a sustained-release transdermal gel dosage. We prepared nanoethosomes using phosphatidylcholine, ethanol, Tween 80, and SLS, and optimized them using Design Expert software. The characteristics included size (particle size: 121 ± 2.60 nm) and entrapment efficiency (81.91 ± 1.92%), followed by incorporation into a carbopol gel for skin application. We performed in-vitro permeation studies and cytotoxic assays on L-929 cells, which revealed favorable outcomes. Optimized nanoethosomes displayed desirable particle characteristics, highlighting their potential for controlled drug delivery. The nano vesicular gels had good rheological and physical properties (polydispersity index: 0.41 ± 0.04, zeta potential: -8.12 ± 1.25 mV), which meant they could be used topically. This research underscores the compatibility of plant extracts with formulation components, offering a foundation for Polyherbal Nanoethosomes in pharmaceutical formulations. The study emphasizes precise control over particle attributes and suggests potential applications in enhancing drug release and bioavailability.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Growth, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Status under Different Nitrogen Levels in Hydroponics

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a common weed that attracts research and agricultural attention because of its significant nutritional value, and it is used commercially. The present work rated the effect of different nitrogen (N) concentrations, i.e., N50: 50 mg L−1; N100: 100 mg L−1; N200: 200 mg L−1; and N300: 300 mg L−1, on the growth, physiology, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient accumulation in the different plant parts of hydroponically grown purslane. Seedlings were transplanted to a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system and exposed to different N levels. The plants grown in high N levels of 300 mg L−1 had decreased biomass production, leaf number, leaf stomatal conductance, and total flavonoid content because of the increased oxidative stress, as shown by the elevated lipid peroxidation levels. Several enzymatic (superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, total phenolics) plant antioxidant activities were activated to counteract the oxidative factors. Plants grown in intermediate N levels in the NS (i.e., 100 mg L−1) had decreased oxidative stress as several enzymatic antioxidant activities, i.e., peroxidases and catalases, were increased. Additionally, the water use efficiency and nitrogen uptake, as well as leaf stomatal conductance and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, were increased in plants grown at a N level of 200 mg L−1. The mineral accumulation in the leaves, stems, and roots fluctuated, with increased calcium, magnesium, and sodium content being observed in the plants grown at high N levels in the nutrient solution. The stems accumulated less N compared with the leaves, but the N content and accumulation rates in purslane leaves were not affected by the N levels in the nutrient solution. Therefore, to increase the yield, nutritional value, and water use efficiency of purslane that is grown hydroponically, a concentration of 200 mg L−1 N in the nutrient solution is recommended.

PSVI-10 Effects of dietary supplementation of purslane (Portulaca oleraceae), prebiotics, and probiotics on breast meat quality of broilers

Abstract Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) used in animal production are considered one of the major causes of antibiotic resistance. Dietary supplements such as pre- and pro-biotics have been known for gut health and immune response improvement and proposed as alternatives to AGPs. Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) is a leafy vegetable containing increased concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a potential dietary supplement for poultry. This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementations of purslane, prebiotic, and probiotic alone and in combination on broiler breast meat quality. Broiler chicks (n = 350 Ross 708; 1-d of age) were randomly assigned to 35 pens (7 pens/treatment, 5 male and female birds/pen). Birds were raised for 40 d and fed 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), a corn/soybean basal diet, 2) T1, NC with 2.5% purslane, 3) T2, T1 with prebiotic (mannan-oligosaccharides) at 2 kg/tonne, 4) T3, T1 with probiotic (Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315), or 5) T4, T1 with prebiotic and probiotic. At d 41, 2 males and 2 females/pen were slaughtered, and breast meat was harvested 24 h postmortem. Meat quality parameters, including pH, color, protein solubility, functional properties (drip loss, water holding capacity, marinade uptake, and cooking yield), textural properties, lipid oxidation, and fatty acids profiles in breast meat were determined. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s multiple range test for mean comparison. Because of no interactions between treatment and sex, the main effects were evaluated. No significant differences were found between breast meat from NC-fed and treatment-fed broilers in most meat quality parameters, except for marinade uptake, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid profiles. Marinade uptakes of meat from NC, T1, and T2-fed broilers were significantly greater than those from T3- and T4-fed (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation in cooked meat from treatment-fed broilers was significantly less than those from NC-fed (P < 0.05) after 7 d of storage, probably due to antioxidants in purslane. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in meat from T4-fed broilers was significantly greater than that of NC-fed (P < 0.05), suggesting that pro-/pre-biotics could promote the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids from purslane. Breast meat from female broilers did not show any differences from those from male broilers in color, lipid oxidation, fatty acid profiles, and texture, except for shear force and energy. Functional properties and shear force and energy of breast meat from female broilers were significantly greater than those from male broilers (P < 0.05), probably due to its higher pH and protein solubility (P < 0.05). These results suggested that the dietary supplementation of purslane, pre-, and pro-biotics in combination can enhance oxidative stability and fatty acid profiles of breast meat of broilers in addition to their potential impacts on broiler health and productivity.

Exploring the phytoremediation capacity of Portulaca oleracea naphthalene aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants: a physiological and biochemical study.

This study is aimed to explore the potential of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) as a phytoremediation candidate for the removal of naphthalene in a hydroponic system; moreover, the impacts of naphthalene on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the plant were investigated. Four different naphthalene concentrations (0, 15, 30, and 60ppm) were selected for the experiments, with an additional control treatment without plants containing 60ppm naphthalene. Each treatment, utilizing a total of 20 hydroponic containers, consisted of 4 replicates. The results indicated that naphthalene led to a reduction in root and shoot growth. The root weight decreased from 17mg in the control group to 6mg in the 60ppm naphthalene treatment, while the shoot weight decreased from 107.5mg in the control group to 65.7mg in the 60ppm naphthalene treatment. Besides, the different naphthalene concentrations had an impact on the photosynthetic pigments. Compared to the control treatment, under severe stress conditions, chlorophyll a decreased by 51.85%, chlorophyll b decreased by 48.14%, and carotenoids decreased by 54.59%; however, anthocyanin, compared to the control treatment, increased by 30.1% under severe stress conditions. The presence of naphthalene also resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and proline in both roots and shoots at various naphthalene concentrations. In roots, malondialdehyde increased by 40.74%, H2O2 increased by 3%, and proline increased by 75.6%, while malondialdehyde increased by 43.16%, H2O2 increased by 5.34%, and proline increased by 59.48% in shoots under severe stress conditions and compared to the control treatment. Root and shoot protein levels decreased by 64.49% and 32.26%, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzymes of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase showed increased activities in both roots and shoots under severe naphthalene stress conditions. Purslane demonstrated the ability to remove approximately 80% of naphthalene from the medium. In conclusion, this plant has an effective participation in naphthalene uptake and mitigates the adverse effects of naphthalene by enhancing antioxidant enzyme and proline activities.

Combined application of gasification filter cake and Portulaca oleracea to promote soil quality and tomato yields under irrigation with brackish water

Brackish water (BW) irrigation may cause soil quality deterioration and thereby a decrease in crop yields. Here we examined the impacts of applying gasification filter cake (GFC), intercropping with Portulaca oleracea (PO), and their combination on soil quality, nutrient uptake by plants and tomato yields under BW irrigation. The treatments evaluated included (i) freshwater irrigation (Control), (ii) BW irrigation, (iii) GFC application under BW irrigation (BW + GFC), (iv) intercropping with PO under BW irrigation (BW + PO), and (v) the combined application of GFC and PO under BW irrigation (BW + PO + GFC). Overall, the use of BW for irrigation resulted in a decline in both soil quality (assessed by a soil quality index (SQI) integrating a wide range of key soil properties including salinity, nutrient availability and microbial activities) and crop yields. Nevertheless, when subjected to BW irrigation, the application of GFC successfully prevented soil salinity. Additionally, the intercropping of PO decreased the soil sodium adsorption ratio and improved the absorption of nutrients by plants. As a result, the BW + GFC + PO treatment generally showed higher tomato yield as compared to other BW-related treatments (i.e. BW, BW + GFC and BW + PO). Compared to BW, the BW + GFC + PO treatment had an average increase of 24.7% in the total fruit yield of four Cropping Seasons. Furthermore, the BW + GFC + PO treatment consistently exhibited the highest fruit quality index (FQI). Taken together, the combined application of GFC and PO is effective in promoting soil quality and crop yields under BW irrigation.