Hypolipidemic Effect of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in Rats Fed on High Cholesterol Diet

Purslane is a vegetarian source of n-3 PUFA (α-linolenic acid). The objective of the present work was to explore purslane as n-3 source to mitigate hyperlipidemia in rat model. Group of rats (n=48) were fed on high cholesterol diet to induce hyperlipidemia. Group 1,2,3,4 and 5 (n=6/group) were fed on aqueous extract of purslane (AEP) and lovastanin diet while group 6 and 7 were treated as hyperlipidemic and normal control. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TAG, increase in serum HDL-C level observed in AEP fed rats as compared to cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic control group. Groups treated with AEP and lovastatin also demonstrated considerable decrease in LDL-C: HDL-C ratios, levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP activities and body weight in comparison to control group. Therefore, administration of AEP concluded that 150 mg/kg body weight AEP is a potent cardio-protective agent having preventive and curative effect against hyperlipidemia.