Portulaca oleracea (commonly known as purslane) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine and various folk remedies, where it is sometimes included in formulations aimed at supporting liver and gallbladder health. However, its specific use for the treatment or prevention of gallstones is based primarily on tradition rather than robust scientific evidence.

Traditional use typically involves the consumption of fresh purslane leaves or decoctions, with claims that its purported diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties may aid in "clearing heat" and promoting bile flow. These characteristics are indirectly related to gallstone prevention according to the theoretical frameworks of traditional medicine. However, such use is not universally recognized in all traditional systems, and references to gallstone-specific efficacy are relatively sparse and anecdotal.

From a scientific standpoint, there are a few preliminary studies suggesting that Portulaca oleracea may have hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects, but direct clinical or preclinical evidence supporting its use for gallstones is lacking. No high-quality clinical trials have evaluated purslane for gallstone dissolution, prevention, or symptomatic relief. Therefore, while its use persists in some traditional practices, the evidence supporting its efficacy for gallstones is minimal and not substantiated by modern research.