<i>Loni Shaka</i> (<i>Portulaca oleracea</i> Linn.): A Potential Ethno-Medicinal Vegan Herb

Abstract

Ghol bhaji, a commonly used vegetable in Maharashtra, which is known as Loni shaka (Portulaca oleracea Linn.; family: Portulacaceae) in Ayurveda has high nutritious value containing potassium, magnesium, calcium etc, in good amounts. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Different pre-clinical studies proved its activities anti-inflammatory (leaf), and antimicrobial (leaf, seed, and root tuber), also whole plant extract proved to be having estrogenic activity in female rats. Ethanol is medicinally used in different ailments i.e. diarrhoea, asthma, dysentery, obesity, jaundice, throat infections, ulcers, snake bites, toothache and diabetes. Clinically, the herb has proved effective in diabetes, Perimenopausal syndrome, PCOD Wound healing etc. Loni shaka is the best antioxidant having good nutritional value. It demonstrated the herb’s enormous nutritional potential and suggested possible uses in the future. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts in Shaka Varga with the name of Lonika. Traditionally used as a vegetable having amla rasa which is responsible for its vatahar property and shows the effect on jarajanya vyadhi (geriatric diseases). It blooms in the summer season, especially in the morning hours.