Unveiling Portulacaria: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Pharmacological Activities

This review presents a comprehensive overview of the Portulacaria genus, with a focus on P. afra, summarizing its phytochemical profile, ethnomedicinal applications, biological activities, and nutritional composition. Portulacaria is a notable genus in Didiereaceae family, comprising drought-resistant succulents that are indigenous to Southern Africa, with Portulacaria afra being the most well-known species. Traditionally, P. afra has been utilized for treating various dermatological and inflammatory conditions, with its extracts showing a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, analgesic, and anticancer properties. While P. afra contains minimal amounts of proteins, fats, and fiber, it boasts a high moisture content (93.18%) and mild acidity (35.26 mg/100 g ascorbic acid equivalent), making it a hydrating and refreshing edible plant. Phytochemical analysis revealed a diverse range of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, triterpenes, fatty acids, and various vitamins, which collectively contribute to its pharmacological potential. This study offers valuable insights into the chemical and biological properties of the plant, however, further investigations are warranted to explore under-studied species and their therapeutic potential through comprehensive pharmacological studies. In addition, future research should focus on obtaining a complete metabolic profile using LC-HRMS and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed biological activities.