Comparative study on the effects of Portulaca oleracea extract and a commercial dietary supplement in spontaneously hypertensive rats with induced type 2 diabetes

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the antimetabolite effects of Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract (EPO) and a commercial dietary supplement composed of chromium, cinnamon, and purslane extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The study evaluated the impact of these bioactive substances on body weight and serum and liver biomarkers. Treatment of diabetic SHR with EPO or the food supplement significantly reduced blood glucose, but without reaching the control level. EPO showed the most pronounced effects on hepatic oxidative markers, as it reduced the amount of MDA by 31% and increased GSH levels by 24% compared to the pathological group. The present study is a piece of evidence of the health-promoting effects of edible P. oleracea. As a rich source of oleraceins, flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, and caffeoylquinic acids, it could be considered a practical approach to managing the diverse elements of metabolic disorders and for its applications as additives in alternative or conventional therapy.