Pharmacologic Mechanisms of Portulaca oleracea L. in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Mechanistic Review

Portulaca oleracea L. is a plant with nutritional and medicinal value. It is known for its rich bioactive compounds and its potential to benefit musculoskeletal disorders. Recent studies have explored its pharmacological mechanisms within this context. This study aims to summarize the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of Portulaca oleracea L. in treating musculoskeletal disorders to support its therapeutic use. We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. We organized our work according to the PRISMA statement and screened studies for review according to predetermined selection criteria. After screening, we identified 69 relevant studies, including 9 clinical trials and 60 experimental studies. Our findings suggest that Portulaca oleracea L. primarily operates through key signaling pathways and reduces cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. These effects could alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, prevent bone degeneration, and indicate its potential as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. Notably, the involvement of the PI3K/AKT, Nrf2/ARE, MAPK, and RANKL/OPG signaling pathways highlights the herb's promise for future clinical application.