Benefits
HbA1c reduction in Type 2 diabetes
In a published double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in Type 2 diabetic adults, Portusana 180 mg/day produced significant improvements in HbA1c — the long-term blood glucose control marker reflecting average glucose over the prior 2-3 months. HbA1c reduction is the gold-standard outcome for diabetes management.
Systolic blood pressure reduction
The same trial documented a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure with Portusana. Type 2 diabetics have elevated cardiovascular risk — addressing both glycemic control and blood pressure provides comprehensive metabolic syndrome support.
Lipid profile improvement
The trial design assessed lipid profile alongside glucose control and blood pressure. Comprehensive metabolic panel assessment supports the broader cardiovascular risk reduction applications. Purslane has documented effects on cholesterol and triglyceride parameters in earlier preclinical and clinical research.
Very small clinical dose (180 mg/day)
Portusana requires only 180 mg/day — small dose for clinically meaningful effects. Many botanical alternatives require 500-2000 mg/day. The small dose supports formulation flexibility, capsule size, and patient compliance vs large-dose alternatives. Three capsules per day total clinical dose.
Mild taste supports flexible formats
Purslane has a mild taste — supporting formulation in diverse formats including beverages and functional foods. Many botanical glucose-support ingredients have bitter or unpleasant flavors limiting them to capsules. Portusana's mild taste enables broader product applications.
EFLA HyperPure technology
Frutarom's proprietary EFLA® HyperPure technology ensures Portusana compliance with EU 2015/1933 PAH regulation — maximum levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food supplements. PAH contamination is a growing concern in botanical ingredients. EFLA HyperPure provides regulatory clarity for EU market applications.
Confirmed earlier open-application trial findings
The double-blind trial confirmed earlier findings of a previous open-application trial demonstrating Portusana's short- and long-term support for blood glucose control as evidenced by HbA1c. Multiple trials strengthen the evidence base — distinguishing from single-trial ingredients.
Edible plant heritage
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a common edible herb with traditional culinary use in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines. Long dietary use precedent supports broad safety profile. Distinguishes from purely medicinal plants with limited human dietary history. Sustainable and widely available raw material.
Mechanism of action
Glucose homeostasis support
Purslane bioactives improve glucose homeostasis — addressing the underlying glycemic control rather than single-pathway intervention. The HbA1c reduction documented in clinical trials reflects sustained glucose control over 2-3 months. Mechanism appropriate for Type 2 diabetes management.
Antioxidant activity
Purslane is rich in antioxidants including vitamins, flavonoids, and omega-3 fatty acids (notably high for a land plant). Antioxidant activity supports vascular health relevant for diabetic complications prevention. Diabetes-related oxidative stress contributes to microvascular and macrovascular complications.
Blood pressure modulation
Portusana's effect on systolic blood pressure may involve vasodilation, electrolyte modulation, or reduced inflammatory contribution to BP. Mechanism complements the glycemic effects — particularly relevant for diabetic populations with cardiovascular risk.
Multi-bioactive plant chemistry
Purslane contains diverse bioactives including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and unique purslane-specific compounds. The multi-bioactive profile supports multi-pathway effects vs single-compound interventions. Frutarom's standardized extraction concentrates active compounds while ensuring reproducibility.
PAH-free purity via EFLA HyperPure
EFLA® HyperPure technology removes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can contaminate botanical ingredients. PAHs are carcinogenic at high exposure. The technology ensures Portusana meets EU 2015/1933 regulatory limits — supporting safety profile and regulatory clarity for European markets.
Clinical trials
Double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating Portusana 180 mg/day vs placebo for 12 weeks in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of purslane extract in improving glucose control, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Published in Journal of Medicinal Food (Wainstein et al.).
63 adult subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. 12-week intervention with 180 mg/day Portusana or matching placebo (three oral capsules).
Significant reduction in HbA1c — the long-term blood glucose control marker. Significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. Lipid profile assessment included. Established Portusana efficacy for Type 2 diabetes glucose control. Small effective dose (180 mg/day) with mild taste supports broad applications.
Earlier open-application trial demonstrating Frutarom's purslane herb extract for short- and long-term support for control of blood glucose levels as evidenced by HbA1c. Foundation for the subsequent double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Open-label design with Frutarom Health sponsorship.
Adults with elevated blood glucose. Open-application format with HbA1c primary outcome.
Documented short- and long-term blood glucose control support with Frutarom's purslane herb extract. HbA1c improvement evidenced sustained glucose control. Open-application findings were subsequently confirmed by the rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled trial — strengthening the overall evidence base.