The Effect of Purslane Seeds on Fasting Blood Glucose and Serum Liver Enzymes in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Livers

Objective: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease in the world and it is one of the liver transplantation causes. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Purslane seeds on anthropometric parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBS), and liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty livers. Materials and Methods: in this clinical trial, 54 patients with fatty livers were participated and randomly divided into two groups: the 1st group received 10 grams of purslane seeds per day along with a weight loss diet and the 2nd (control) group were only engaged in a weight loss diet. At the beginning and at the end of the 8th week of intervention, anthropometric parameters, FBS, liver enzymes and liver sonography were studied in both groups. Results: After the intervention, significant reductions in weight, waist and hip circumference (P=0.01) were observed in both groups, but only the changes in hip circumference were significant between the two groups (P=0.01). Body mass index significantly reduced only in the purslane group (P<0.05). The average intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat was reduced in both groups (P<0.05). No significant changes occurred in the fasting blood glucose before and after the study in both groups; however, FBS was significantly different after 8 weeks compared with the control group (P<0.05). Purslane consumption after 8 weeks significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (P=0.03) and aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.03) in the relevant group; yet the changes were not significant in the control group. Diet and purslane consumption were unaffected on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. In both group liver steatosis decreased but in the purslane group was more significant. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of purslane seeds besides the diet for 8 weeks have beneficial effects on anthropometric parameters, FBS, liver enzymes and liver steatosis. Purslane consumption significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liver steatosis decreased in the purslane group more than control group.