Background Natural compounds from medicinal plants are being increasingly studied for their reduced aftereffect reaction and reduced drug resistance compared to chemical medicines. These plants, known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, are utilized in treating various diseases, including cancer. Methods In this study, the antimicrobial and antitumor attributes of Portulaca oleracea L. essential oil were examined using disk diffusion and MTT assays, respectively. Polylactic acid-Polyethylene glycol-Folate (PLA-PEG-FA) nanoparticles were used to target the delivery of P. oleracea essential oil to MCF-7 cells. The average particle size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were evaluated with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Results The PLA-PEG-FA nanoparticles containing essential oils exhibited a spherical morphology, with a mean diameter varying between roughly 100 to 150 nanometers. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for P. oleracea essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 6.25 and 12.5 µL mL ^-1, respectively. The MTT assay demonstrated that the antiproliferative properties of the essential oil increased significantly with encapsulation into the PLA-PEG-FA nanoparticles. Flow cytometry analysis showed that P. oleracea essential oil lessened the viability of MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis pathways in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion In summary, the precise administration of essential oils directly into cancer cells significantly enhances anti-cancer efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.