Effect of hydro-alcoholic Portulaca-Oleracea extract on oxidative damage induced by bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in liver of rat

Oxidative stress has a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Potrulaca oleracea (PO) is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and compounds such as: α-Tocopherole, Ascorbic acid and Glutathione, which have anti-oxidative effects. So, it might play an effective role in prevention and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress. In order to test this, oxidative stress was induced by injection of LPS (bacterial Lipopolysaccharide) in an animal model. At the next step, improvement effect of hidro-alcoholic extract of PO was assessed on oxidative damage induced by LPS in liver of rats.
Male wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Animals received PO extract (400 mg/kg) in 14 days via oral administration (gavage). LPS (1000 µg/kg) was injected Intra-peritoneally. The antioxidant enzymes activity was determined by measuring catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione Reductase (GR). Moreover, lipid peroxidation as a marker of oxidative damage was measured. Also, histological studies were performed.
LPS stimulated and increased the activity of SOD and CAT but reduced the activity of GR with respect to control group. Also, LPS increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. Furthermore, PO at preventation group significantly increased SOD, CAT and GR and decreased MAD with respect to LPS group.
It seems PO due to high level of antioxidants compounds can be used as a natural product, for the prevention of damages and diseases caused by oxidative stress.