Protective effects of purslane seed (Portulaca Oleracea L.) on plasma levels of Cystatin C, Cathepsin S, and Creatinine in women with type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease which is associated with the inflammation of cardiovascular system and kidney. Studies have shown that medicinal plants could be effective in reducing inflammation however, the effectiveness of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) on inflammation is not well defined. Thus, this study attempted to investigate the effect of Portulaca oleracea seed consumption on plasma levels of cystatin C, cathepsin S, and creatinine in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 14 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two equal groups of intervention and control (n=7). The subjects received Portulaca oleracea seed 2.5 g at lunch and 5 g at dinner (totally 7.5 g) per day for 8 weeks. Blood was collected before and 48 hours after the last intervention. Data were analyzed with paired and independent t-tests, and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Levels of cystatin C, cathepsin S, creatinine, and lipid profile decreased significantly in the intervention group after 8 weeks (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in levels of cystatin C and cathepsin S. Conclusion: Changes in biochemical markers showed that Portulaca oleracea seed could improve the levels of cardiovascular and kidney damage biomarkers and lipid profile in diabetic patients. However, further research is needed for more accurate conclusions.