Purslane is popular as a traditional medicine in China for the treatment of febrifuge, hypotension and diabetes. It is famous in Traditional Chinese Medicine as treatment for skin infection and irritation. The extract is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, and also has wound healing properties. 

Modern research confirms that is rich in α-linolenic acid (one of the omega-3 fatty acids) which plays an important role in human growth and development and in preventing diseases. It also contains natural moisturizing factors (NMFs, including polysaccharides and amino acids), pro-vitamins (e.g., β-carotene), minerals, and antioxidants (betalains). Portulaca is also rich in flavonoids (primarily quercetin, followed by its glycoside rutin), coumarins and alkaloids.