ABSTRACT
Portulaca oleracea Linn. is among the medicinal plants used globally in the treatment of diseases and management of health challenges. The dearth of information on the long term effect of Portulaca oleracea on hepatic and renal toxicity prompted this study. The study investigated the subchronic effect of the oral administration of chloroform leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (CLEPO) and methanol leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (MLEPO) on plasma activity of some enzymes (ALT, ALP & AST) and levels of other biochemical parameters such as blood electrolytes, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in male albino rats. One hundred and twelve (112) animals were randomly divided into seven (7) groups of sixteen (16) rats each. Group A (Control) received 0.5ml/kg of 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups B, C & D received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of CLEPO respectively and Groups E, F & G received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of MLEPO respectively for 60 days. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for plasma biochemical assay. MLEPO caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in plasma AST and ALP level while CLEPO significantly (p<0.05) decreased the plasma AST level. MLEPO produced a highly significant (p<0.01) reduction in both total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels as well as significant (p<0.05) decline in urea level. CLEPO produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease on conjugated bilirubin. Both extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced the chloride level. Oral administration of CLEPO and MLEPO over a 60 day period is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic.