The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L) on serum concentration of esterogen, progesterone, prolactin and gonadotropins in mature female rats

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) has positive effects on total cholesterol reduction and has different effects on nerves system، thus it might affect pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aims to test the probable effects of hydroalcoholic extract of purslane on gonadotropins، estradiol، progesterone and prolactin hormones. In this experimental study، 40 adult virgin female Vistar rats strain weighing 189±2gr were divided in five groups of eights. The control group without any drug application، the sham groups received 0. 2 ml distilled water as solvent and the experimental groups 1، 2 and 3 orally received 200، 400 and 800 mg/kgBW of hydroalcoholic extract of purslane for 21 days. At the end of the period of 21 days، the blood test was taken and the amount of hormones in their blood was tested. The data were analyzed using one away ANOVA. The findings of the study indicated a significant reduction (P<0. 05) in the amount of estradiol in experimental group 3 and a reduction in the body weight in experimental group 2 compare with the both control and sham groups. No significant difference was observed in LH، FSH، progesterone and prolactin. The results indicate the dose –dependant effect of purslane in weight loss over 21 days. In addition، due to the anti-estrogenic and anti-aromatase compounds in purslane، it reduce the concentration estradiol is in the maximum dose. Thus، a prolonged application of purslane may lead to hormone disorders and a reduction in fertility.