The effect of purslane seeds on glycemic status and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized controlled cross-over trial

We are aware of limited data about the effects of purslane on diabetes. Earlier studies have mostly indicated the beneficial effects in animal models. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of purslane seeds on glycemic status and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetic patients. This cross-over randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 48 diabetic patients. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 10 g/d purslane seeds with 240 cc low-fat yogurt (intervention group) or only 240 cc low-fat yogurt (as control group) for 5 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, subjects were moved to the alternate arm for additional 5 weeks. At baseline and end of each phase of study, fasting blood samples were collected to quantify plasma glucose levels as well as serum insulin and lipid profiles. Mean age of study participants was 51.4±6.0 y. We found a significant reduction in weight (-0.57 vs. 0.09 kg, P=0.003) and BMI (-0.23 vs. 0.02 kg/m2, P=0.004) following purslane seeds consumption. Despite a slight reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels (-2.10 vs -2.77 mg/dL, P=0.90), we failed to find any significant effect on serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR score after purslane seeds intake. Furthermore, purslane seeds consumption decreased serum triglyceride levels (-25.5 vs. -1.8 mg/dL, P=0.04) but could not affect serum HDL-, LDL- and total-cholesterol levels. We observed significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (-3.33vs. 0.5 mmHg, P=0.01) and a borderline significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (-3.12 vs. -0.93 mmHg, P=0.09) after purslane intake. In conclusion, consumption of purslane seeds for 5 weeks in type 2 diabetic patients might improve their anthropometric measures, serum triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Further studies are required to determine the appropriate dosage for these patients.