Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Purslane (also known as Portulaca oleracea) is an herbaceous weed growing wild in much of the World. Puslane has been rated as the eighth most common plant in the World and is considered the ninth most troublesome weed to World agriculture. For thousands of years, purslane has been used as a vegetable, spice, potherb and medicinal herb. Purslane was very popular in England during the Middle Ages and was used by the ancient Egyptians for heart failure and disease. Known since the time of Hippocrates, Purslane was used for its diuretic, anti-parasitic, and cathartic qualities.

I've found all sorts of info on the high levels of omega fatty acids it has but they don't say anything about the omega 6 levels in relation to the omega 3s.

Purslane was studied at POS Pilot Plant Laboratory located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon (Dec. 2000 - Project #00-781A). The scientific results were that Purslane is high in fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega 6), linolenic acid (omega 3), tocophenals (alpha, gamma, and delta), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), beta-carotene, vitamin C, and riboflavin.

It is high in minerals, including phosphorous, zinc, silicon, manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium. Other active ingredients found in other studies were.

*Protein and Carbohydrates - ref. [7]
*Ascorbic Acid - recorded ten times higher than in any other weeds - ref. [2]
*Essential Amino Acid - body needs these to make protein - ref. [8]
*Pectin - known to lower cholesterol - ref. [1]
*Glutathione - antioxidant and detoxifying agent - ref. [2]
*Noradrenaline - supports adrenal glands - ref. [4]
*Dopa and Dopamine - known for muscle relaxant properties - ref. [3]
*Co-enzyme Q-10 - found in every cell of the body, known to supply our bodies with energy, discovered by Dr. Karl Folkers - ref. [9]. Analysis also confirmed by Enviro-Test Lab. #L57257-1 that Purslane contains Co-enzyme Q-10

References:
[1] Wenzel et al 1979: Studies concluded that pectin lowers LDL cholesterol.
[2] Jones et al 1936 and Flagg et al 1948: In their studies, found glutathione in Purslane. This antioxidant and detoxifier synthesized rapidly in the liver, kidneys, and other tissue, including the gastrointestinal tract.
[3] Okwuasaba et al 1986: Studies found Purslane effective as a muscle relaxant.
[4] Hegnauer, R. 1969: Studies showed that Purslane contains high amounts of noradrenaline, which is known to stimulate the adrenal glands, and dopa, which has been widely used to combat Parkinson's disease.
[5] Simopoulos, A.P., Norman, H.A., Gillappy, J.B., and Duke, J.A. 1992: Studies showed that it is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants (j. of the Am. College of Nutr. 11(4):374).
[6] Rifici, V.A. and Khachadurian, A.K.: Dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E inhibits invitro oxidation of lipoprotiens (J. of the Am. College of Nutr. 1993).
[7] Kubular, D.T. and Tashbekow, I., Katafel, I., Ovoschi, 1979: Studies found Purslane rich in protein and carbohydrates.
[8] Miller, T.E., et al 1984: Studies found Purslane has the best balance and highest concentration of essential amino acids compared to his other studies.
[9] Folkers, K., Vadhanavikit, S., Mortenson, S., 1985: Biochemical rationale and myocardial tissue data on the effective therapy of cardiomyopathy with
Co-enzyme Q-10.

Hi there!! All I do is prepare a little base of sauted onion and garlic,
add some tomato and a bit of sugar, and when its all nice an "mushy" add the purslane
and simmer in its own juices till its cooked to your taste.
Sometimes add some chilli if the little ones are not around!! Enjoy!!

Have lot of dried tomies that as needed I pack into a jar in olive oil with some garlic and basil.
Will ad the purslane to it as well to see how it will fare.