Haematological profile of albino rats exposed to polar leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn.

Abstract

Although the use of medicinal plants is becoming popular globally, some of these plants which are purported to be safe are not without side effects or toxicity. Portulaca oleracea, Linn. is among the medicinal plants used globally in the treatment of diseases and management of health challenges. The dearth of information on the toxicity of Portulaca oleracea in a long term use prompted this study which investigated the sub-chronic effect of the oral administration of polar (aqueous methanol) leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea on haematological parameters in male albino rats. Sixtyfour animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 16 rats each. Group 1(Control) received 0.5 ml of 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups 2, 3 & 4 received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg bw of the extract respectively for 60 days by oral gavage. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for haematology. No significant (p>0.05) variation occurred in the mean values of PCV, hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, platelet count and differential leucocyte count relative to the control throughout the 60-day duration. Significant (p<0.05) increase in WBC count was recorded on day 42 in the 500mg treated group. Oral administration of polar leaf extract of P.oleracea as used in this study had no injurious effect on haematological parameters in a long term treatment of 60 days; thus can be said to be non-toxic to blood parameters.

Lipophilic and hydrophilic leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) disrupts female sex hormones in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

“… 16 The hydrophilic extract, on the other hand, showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, triterpenoids/steroids, anthraquinone, and cardiac glycosides. 17 The decline in the concentration of gonadotropins as recorded in this study may not be unconnected with the presence of triterpenoids/steroids in the extracts, which result is similar to our earlier finding where the hydrophilic leaf extract of P.oleracea decreased the testosterone level in male albino rats. 16 According to Qasimi et al.…”

Potential Reproductive Toxicity Of Lacatomtom Drink In Male Wistar Rats

“…23 Testosterone also plays a role in germ cell development, sperm production and overall male fertility regulation. 24 Previous research has highlighted that spermatogenesis heavily relies on a testosterone concentration within the testes, which is stimulated by gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. 25 Intra testicular testosterone triggers Sertoli cells to aid smooth transition of germ cells through stage VII of spermatogenic cycle.…”

Haematological and Biochemical Profile of Wistar Rats Exposed to Chloroform Stem Extract of Portulaca oleracea Linn. (Purslane)

“…Different parts of the plant have been associated with various physiological properties. Some studies have been carried out exclusively on the leaves [6][7][8][9], stem + leaves [10,11], aerial parts [12,13] and whole plant [14,15] to establish their physiological effects; but to the best of our knowledge, none was done solely on the stem. The study was therefore designed to investigate the effect of oral administration of chloroform stem extract of Portulaca oleracea (CSEPO) on haematological and biochemical parameters in male wistar rats.…”