Therapeutic effect of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) shoot powder in treating liver fibrosis through the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress

Background: Liver fibrosis causes increased mortality rate combined with substantial disabilities throughout the population. The bioactive moieties in purslane promote liver health by shielding hepatic cells while aiding cellular regeneration, by improving overall hepatic functions. Objectives: The present study examined the nutritional characterization of purslane shoot powder and evaluated its therapeutic effect through bio- evaluation trial. Methods: 60 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups, namely normal control (NC), bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis groups i.e., (PC, STD, P1, P2 and P3). The STD (Standard Drug Group) received silymarin at 50 mg/kg bw, while other groups received different doses of purslane shoot powder P3 (1200 mg/kg), P2 (800 mg/kg) and P1 (400mg/kg) respectively for 04 weeks. Results: Purslane shoots exhibited a considerable antioxidant potential in addition to important minerals and fatty acid content. Current intervention reduces serum cholesterol with dose P3 (1200 mg/kg), followed by P2 (800 mg/kg) and P1 (400mg/kg), resulting in 101.0±4.75 mg/dL, 109.9±4.35 mg/dL and 110.1±4.22 mg/dL, respectively. While increase in HDL was also observed as P1 (12.26±0.35), P2 (13.21±0.39) and P3 (15.09±0.56) mg/dL, respectively. A remarkable reduction in LFT was observed in experimental group with maximum reduction in P2 as 135.7±2.38 IU/L for ALP, 41.9±2.09 IU/L for ALT and 93.4±4.67 IU/L for AST, respectively. The results showed a constant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Administration of purslane shoot powder significantly showed a marked inclination towards the normalization of all measured biochemical parameters in BDL rats. Conclusion: Thus, the current study supports that purslane shoot had a curative effect in inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing inflammation in managing liver fibrosis and its associated complications by the activation of hepatic stellate cells.