Protective effect of Purslane on liver from reserpine-induced Hepatic toxicity in mice

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a universal species with a broad range of biological activities. This study aims to estimate the hepatoprotective effects of purslane ethanolic and aqueous extracts on hepatotoxicity induced by reserpine. Methods: Mice were divided into five groups and treated for four weeks. The first group is a negative control with no treatment. The second group is a positive control treated only with reserpine. The other groups were treated with reserpine and also treated with Escitalopram or purslane ethanolic extract, or purslane aqueous extract. Blood serum was used to estimate the concentrations of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Albumin, and Globulin. Results: The data showed that the serum concentrations of ALT and AST were significantly elevated in all treated groups compared to the negative control group. In contrast, these values were significantly lower than the positive control group. Moreover, a significant decrease was exhibited in serum albumin and globulin in all treated groups as compared to the negative control group, and at the same time, there was a significant increase as compared to the positive control group. Conclusion: Purslane ethanolic and aqueous extracts have a partial protection from liver toxicity induced by reserpine.