ABSTRACT
Purslane extract in the form of ethanolic formulation is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanin, w-3 fatty acids and melatonin. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of purslane using obese diabetic rats. The rats received either regular diet, high-fat diet or high-fat diet with additional purslane (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Purslane, co-administered with a high fat diet, significantly inhibited body weight gain, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, free fatty acids and the atherogenic index levels in a dose dependent manner. Purslane-treated rats at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight improved the insulin resistance index when compared to high fat diet control. In conclusion, purslane ethanolic extract showed effects indicative of potential anti-obesity and anti-diabetic actions in rats fed a high fat obesity-induced diet.