Evidence supporting the use of: Portulaca
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Portulaca, commonly known as purslane, is traditionally used in various cultures for the treatment of canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Historical and ethnobotanical records indicate that Portulaca oleracea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as in folk remedies in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, for oral ulcerations and inflammation. The plant is applied either as a fresh juice, a poultice, or as an ingredient in rinses. The purported benefits are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, likely due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamins.
Despite its long-standing use, scientific evidence supporting Portulaca’s efficacy for canker sores is limited. A few small-scale studies and case reports suggest potential benefits in reducing pain and healing time, but these studies often suffer from methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and short follow-up periods. No large, high-quality randomized controlled trials have been published to date. Therefore, while its traditional use is well-established, the scientific validation remains preliminary and not robust.
In summary, Portulaca’s use for canker sores is primarily justified by tradition, with only weak scientific support to date. Further clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Canker Sores
aloe verabamboo
basil
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
blackberry
bасора
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
dog rose
folate
ginger
horseradish
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
milk
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
pineapple
plantain
rhizome
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
triphala
vitamin B12
vitamin C
zinc
yellow root
squawvine
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
myrrh
siler root
hyacinth bean
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Collinsonia
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
Glycolic acid
Guava
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Oak
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by portulaca
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair Care (general)
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome