Protective role of ethanol extract of purslane leaves (Portulaca oleracea L.) on serum malondialdehyde levels, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and endometrial thickness in female rats exposed to monosodium glutamate.

BACKGROUND: Excessive monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption increases blood plasma glutamate levels, forming hydroxyl radicals (O.H.) that cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, mitigating this oxidative damage in the body. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a native plant commonly found in Indonesia and often regarded as a weed, offers significant benefits as it can be consumed as a vegetable and used for its medicinal properties. Purslane plants have the highest levels of antioxidant activity in their leaves and stems.

AIM: This study investigated the potential of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in mitigating oxidative stress induced by MSG and its effects on reproductive health indicators in female Wistar rats.

METHODS: Over 28 days, 30 rats were divided into two groups: one receiving MSG alone and the other receiving MSG with varying doses of Purslane. Two groups: one receiving MSG alone and the other receiving varying doses of Purslane over 28 days.

RESULTS: This study demonstrated that Purslane significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, with optimal effects observed at doses of 250-500 mg. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels notably increased at 250 mg, and endometrial thickness showed a dose-dependent increase.

CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that purslane supplementation may help counteract MSG-induced oxidative damage and enhance reproductive health markers. Further research is needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential in conditions related to oxidative stress.