ABSTRACT
Background: Aging contains morphological and functional deterioration in biological systems. D-galactose [D-gal] generates free radicals and accelerates aging. Portulaca oleracea [Purslane] may have protective effect against oxidative stress
Objective: Purslane ethanolic extract effects were evaluated on antioxidant indices and sex hormone in D-gal aging female mice
Materials and Methods: 48 female NMRI mice [25-35 gr] were randomly divided into, 6 groups: 1- control [normal saline for 45 days], 2- Purslane [200 mg/kg for last 3 weeks], 3-D-gal [500 mg/kg for 45 days], 4-D-gal+Purslane, 5- Aging, 6-Aging+Purslane. Sex hormones, antioxidants and malondialdehyde [MDA] level of ovary and uterus were measured. Histological assessment was also done
Results: In D-gal treated and aging animals, LH and FSH levels were significantly increased [p<0.001] while estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly reduced [p<0.001] in comparison with control group. MDA contents were significantly increased in ovaries and uterus of D-gal and aging groups [p<0.01]. Superoxide dismutase [SOD] [p<0.001] and catalase [p<0.01] activities were significantly decreased in both aging and D-gal treated animals. Ovarian follicles were degenerated and atrophy on uterine wall and endometrial glands was observed in D-gal and aging groups. Alteration in hormone levels, MDA contents and antioxidant activity were significantly reversed by Purslane [p<0.05]. Purslane could also improve histological changes such as atrophy of endometrium
Conclusion: These findings indicate that Purslane can attenuate aging alternations induced by D-gal and aging in female reproductive system