The role of purslane in modulating diverse effects of high fat diet on biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters of rats liver

Abstract Consuming a high-fat diet causes a harmful accumulation of fat in the liver, which may not reverse even after switching to a healthier diet. Different reports dealt with the role of purslane as an extract against high-fat diet; meanwhile, it was necessary to study the potential role of fresh purslane as a hypolipidemic agent. This study is supposed to investigate further the potential mechanism in the hypolipidemic effect of fresh purslane, by measuring cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr). Rats were divided into two main groups: the first one is the normal control group (n=7 rats) and the second group (n=28 rats) received a high fat diet for 28 weeks to induce obesity. Then the high fat diet group was divided into equal four subgroups. As, the positive control group still fed on a high fat diet only. Meanwhile, the other three groups were received high-fat diet supplemented with a different percent of fresh purslane (25, 50 and 75%) respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological studies. Current study reported that, supplementation of fresh purslane especially at a concentration of 75% play an important role against harmful effects of high-fat diet at both cellular and organ level, by increasing CYP7A1 as well as Ldlr mRNA expression. Also, there were an improvement on the tested liver functions, thyroid hormones, and lipid profile. Fresh purslane plays the potential role as a hypolipidemic agent via modulation of both Ldlr and Cyp7A, which will point to use fresh purslane against harmful effects of obesity.

Resumo O consumo de uma dieta rica em gordura causa um acúmulo prejudicial de gordura no fígado, que pode não reverter mesmo após a mudança para uma dieta mais saudável. Diferentes relatórios trataram do papel da beldroega como um extrato contra uma dieta rica em gordura; entretanto, foi necessário estudar o papel potencial da beldroega fresca como agente hipolipemiante. Este estudo pretende investigar mais profundamente o mecanismo potencial no efeito hipolipidêmico da beldroega fresca, medindo o colesterol 7a-hidroxilase (CYP7A1) e o receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (Ldlr). Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos principais: o primeiro é o grupo controle normal (n = 7 ratos) e o segundo grupo (n = 28 ratos) recebeu dieta rica em gorduras por 28 semanas para induzir a obesidade. Em seguida, o grupo de dieta rica em gordura foi dividido em quatro subgrupos iguais. Como, o grupo de controle positivo ainda se alimentava apenas com dieta rica em gordura. Enquanto isso, os outros três grupos receberam dieta rica em gordura suplementada com diferentes porcentagens de beldroegas frescas (25%, 50% e 75%), respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados e amostras coletadas para estudos moleculares, bioquímica e histológicos. O estudo atual relatou que a suplementação de beldroegas frescas, especialmente a uma concentração de 75%, desempenha papel importante contra os efeitos prejudiciais da dieta rica em gordura em nível celular e orgânico, aumentando a expressão de CYP7A1 e Ldlr mRNA. Além disso, houve melhora nas funções hepáticas testadas, nos hormônios tireoidianos e no perfil lipídico. Beldroegas frescas desempenham papel potencial como agente hipolipemiante por meio da modulação de Ldlr e Cyp7A, o que apontará para o uso de beldroegas frescas contra os efeitos nocivos da obesidade.

Quality control of Portulaca oleracea by HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish HPLC fingerprint of Portulaca oleracea， establish quantitative analysis of multi- components by single-marker （QAMS） method for the content determination of caffeic acid， ferulic acid， genistin and quercetin， and provide reference for quality control of the medicine. METHODS The determination was performed on Eclipse XDB-C18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.2% phosphoric acid solution （gradient elution） at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was 25 °C， and detection wavelength was set at 360 nm. The sample size was 10 μL. HPLC fingerprint of P. oleracea was established according to the above chromatographic conditions. Cluster analysis （CA） and principal component analysis （PCA） were performed for 15 batches of specimens. Using caffeic acid as internal standard， relative correction factors of other three components were calculated by QAMS， and then the component content was calculated on the basis of relative correction factors， which was compared with the external standard method. RESULTS HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of P. oleracea were calibrated with a total of 17 common peaks， and 4 components （caffeic acid， ferulic acid， genistin， quercetin） were identified； the similarities of 15 batches of samples were greater than 0.890. The results of CA showed that S1-S10 were clustered into one category， and S11-S15 were clustered into one category. The results of PCA revealed that the accumulative contribution rate of the two main components was 92.502%， and the classification results were basically consistent with CA. The linear range of caffeic acid， ferulic acid， genistin and quercetin were 0.003 1-0.157 1， 0.003 6-0.181 7， 0.008 5-0.425 6，0.000 4-0.021 8 mg/mL （R2≥0.999 7）； the results of precision， repeatability， stability （24 h） and recovery tests all complied with the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The relative correction factors of ferulic acid， genistin and quercetin calculated by QAMS were 1.534， 5.302 and 0.174； there was no significant difference in the contents of components measured between this method and the external standard method. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC fingerprint combined with QAMS can be used for the quality control of multiple index components in P. oleracea. The origin has a certain influence on the quality of P. oleracea， and the quality of P. oleracea produced in Sichuan is better than that produced in Anhui and Hebei.

The role of purslane in modulating diverse effects of high fat diet on biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters of rats' liver / O papel da beldroega na modulação de diversos efeitos da dieta rica em gordura nos parâmetros bioquímicos, histológicos e moleculares do fígado de ratos

Abstract Consuming a high-fat diet causes a harmful accumulation of fat in the liver, which may not reverse even after switching to a healthier diet. Different reports dealt with the role of purslane as an extract against high-fat diet; meanwhile, it was necessary to study the potential role of fresh purslane as a hypolipidemic agent. This study is supposed to investigate further the potential mechanism in the hypolipidemic effect of fresh purslane, by measuring cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr). Rats were divided into two main groups: the first one is the normal control group (n=7 rats) and the second group (n=28 rats) received a high fat diet for 28 weeks to induce obesity. Then the high fat diet group was divided into equal four subgroups. As, the positive control group still fed on a high fat diet only. Meanwhile, the other three groups were received high-fat diet supplemented with a different percent of fresh purslane (25, 50 and 75%) respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological studies. Current study reported that, supplementation of fresh purslane especially at a concentration of 75% play an important role against harmful effects of high-fat diet at both cellular and organ level, by increasing CYP7A1 as well as Ldlr mRNA expression. Also, there were an improvement on the tested liver functions, thyroid hormones, and lipid profile. Fresh purslane plays the potential role as a hypolipidemic agent via modulation of both Ldlr and Cyp7A, which will point to use fresh purslane against harmful effects of obesity.

Resumo O consumo de uma dieta rica em gordura causa um acúmulo prejudicial de gordura no fígado, que pode não reverter mesmo após a mudança para uma dieta mais saudável. Diferentes relatórios trataram do papel da beldroega como um extrato contra uma dieta rica em gordura; entretanto, foi necessário estudar o papel potencial da beldroega fresca como agente hipolipemiante. Este estudo pretende investigar mais profundamente o mecanismo potencial no efeito hipolipidêmico da beldroega fresca, medindo o colesterol 7a-hidroxilase (CYP7A1) e o receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (Ldlr). Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos principais: o primeiro é o grupo controle normal (n = 7 ratos) e o segundo grupo (n = 28 ratos) recebeu dieta rica em gorduras por 28 semanas para induzir a obesidade. Em seguida, o grupo de dieta rica em gordura foi dividido em quatro subgrupos iguais. Como, o grupo de controle positivo ainda se alimentava apenas com dieta rica em gordura. Enquanto isso, os outros três grupos receberam dieta rica em gordura suplementada com diferentes porcentagens de beldroegas frescas (25%, 50% e 75%), respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados e amostras coletadas para estudos moleculares, bioquímica e histológicos. O estudo atual relatou que a suplementação de beldroegas frescas, especialmente a uma concentração de 75%, desempenha papel importante contra os efeitos prejudiciais da dieta rica em gordura em nível celular e orgânico, aumentando a expressão de CYP7A1 e Ldlr mRNA. Além disso, houve melhora nas funções hepáticas testadas, nos hormônios tireoidianos e no perfil lipídico. Beldroegas frescas desempenham papel potencial como agente hipolipemiante por meio da modulação de Ldlr e Cyp7A, o que apontará para o uso de beldroegas frescas contra os efeitos nocivos da obesidade.

The role of purslane in modulating diverse effects of high fat diet on biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters of rats' liver / O papel da beldroega na modulação de diversos efeitos da dieta rica em gordura nos parâmetros bioquímicos, histológicos e moleculares do fígado de ratos

Consuming a high-fat diet causes a harmful accumulation of fat in the liver, which may not reverse even after switching to a healthier diet. Different reports dealt with the role of purslane as an extract against high-fat diet; meanwhile, it was necessary to study the potential role of fresh purslane as a hypolipidemic agent. This study is supposed to investigate further the potential mechanism in the hypolipidemic effect of fresh purslane, by measuring cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr). Rats were divided into two main groups: the first one is the normal control group (n=7 rats) and the second group (n=28 rats) received a high fat diet for 28 weeks to induce obesity. Then the high fat diet group was divided into equal four subgroups. As, the positive control group still fed on a high fat diet only. Meanwhile, the other three groups were received high-fat diet supplemented with a different percent of fresh purslane (25, 50 and 75%) respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological studies. Current study reported that, supplementation of fresh purslane especially at a concentration of 75% play an important role against harmful effects of high-fat diet at both cellular and organ level, by increasing CYP7A1 as well as Ldlr mRNA expression. Also, there were an improvement on the tested liver functions, thyroid hormones, and lipid profile. Fresh purslane plays the potential role as a hypolipidemic agent via modulation of both Ldlr and Cyp7A, which will point to use fresh purslane against harmful effects of obesity.

O consumo de uma dieta rica em gordura causa um acúmulo prejudicial de gordura no fígado, que pode não reverter mesmo após a mudança para uma dieta mais saudável. Diferentes relatórios trataram do papel da beldroega como um extrato contra uma dieta rica em gordura; entretanto, foi necessário estudar o papel potencial da beldroega fresca como agente hipolipemiante. Este estudo pretende investigar mais profundamente o mecanismo potencial no efeito hipolipidêmico da beldroega fresca, medindo o colesterol 7a-hidroxilase (CYP7A1) e o receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (Ldlr). Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos principais: o primeiro é o grupo controle normal (n = 7 ratos) e o segundo grupo (n = 28 ratos) recebeu dieta rica em gorduras por 28 semanas para induzir a obesidade. Em seguida, o grupo de dieta rica em gordura foi dividido em quatro subgrupos iguais. Como, o grupo de controle positivo ainda se alimentava apenas com dieta rica em gordura. Enquanto isso, os outros três grupos receberam dieta rica em gordura suplementada com diferentes porcentagens de beldroegas frescas (25%, 50% e 75%), respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados e amostras coletadas para estudos moleculares, bioquímica e histológicos. O estudo atual relatou que a suplementação de beldroegas frescas, especialmente a uma concentração de 75%, desempenha papel importante contra os efeitos prejudiciais da dieta rica em gordura em nível celular e orgânico, aumentando a expressão de CYP7A1 e Ldlr mRNA. Além disso, houve melhora nas funções hepáticas testadas, nos hormônios tireoidianos e no perfil lipídico. Beldroegas frescas desempenham papel potencial como agente hipolipemiante por meio da modulação de Ldlr e Cyp7A, o que apontará para o uso de beldroegas frescas contra os efeitos nocivos da obesidade.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

Extracts of Portulaca oleracea promote wound healing by enhancing angiology regeneration and inhibiting iron accumulation in mice / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the role of Portulaca oleracea (POL) in promoting revascularization and re-epithelization as well as inhibiting iron aggregation and inflammation of deep tissue pressure injury (DTPI). Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of POL (P) and aqueous phase fraction of POL (PD) were prepared based on maceration and liquid–liquid extraction. The number of new blood vessels and VEGF-A expression level were assessed using H&E stain and Western blot on injured muscle to examine the role of POL different extracts in vascularization. The iron distribution and total elemental iron of injured muscle were detected using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Perls’ staining to determine whether POL extracts can inhibit the iron accumulation. Besides, the ability of POL extracts to promote wound healing by combining re-epithelization time, inflammation degree and collagen deposition area were comprehensively evaluated. Results: In vitro, we observed a significant increase in HUVEC cell viability, migration rate and the number of the tube after P and PD treatment (P < 0.05). In vivo, administration of P and PD impacted vascularization and iron accumulation on injured tissue, evident from more new blood vessels, higher expression of VEGF-A and decreased muscle iron concentration of treatment groups compared with no-treatment groups (P < 0.05). Besides, shorter re-epithelization time, reduced inflammatory infiltration and distinct collagen deposition were associated with administration of P and PD (P < 0.05). Conclusion: POL extract administration groups have high-quality wound healing, which is associated with increased new blood vessels, collagen deposition and re-epithelization, along with decreased iron accumulation and inflammatory infiltration. Our results suggest that that POL extract is beneficial to repair injured muscle after ischemia–reperfusion, highlighting the potential of POL in the DTPI treatment.

Optimization of processing technology of Portulaca oleracea charcoal and its improvement effect on the symptom of hemorrhoid model rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize th e p rocessing technology of Portulaca oleracea charcoal，and to investigate its improvement effect on the symptom of hemorrhoid model rats. METHODS The effects of roasting temperature ，dosage and roasting time on the processing technology of P. oleracea charcoal were investigated with Box-Behnken response surface methodology using comprehensive score of tannin content ，water-soluble extract content and appearance properties as the index. The optimal process parameters are selected and verified. The hemorrhoid model rats were treated with P. oleracea charcoal（0.8 g/mL）prepared by the optimal processing technology ，once a day ，for 11 days. After last medication ，the perianal pathological score of hemorrhoid model rats were performed ；serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α（TNF-α），interleukin 6（IL-6）and IL- 1β were detected. RESULTS The optimal processing technology of P. oleracea charcoal included roasting temperature of 200 ℃， dosage of 150 g and roasting time of 14 min. Results of validation test showed that the comprehensive score of P. oleracea charcoal was 92.57，and relative error of it with predicted value （96.59）was －4.13％. External use of P. oleracea charcoal 0.8 g/mL prepared by the optimal processing technology could significantly promote the wound healing of hemorrhoid model rats ，reduced the amount of exudate ，and decreased the levels of TNF-α，IL-6 and IL-β in serum. CONCLUSIONS The optimized processing technology of P. oleracea charcoal is feasible. P. oleracea charcoal prepared by the optimized processing technology has good curative effect on the symptom of hemorrhoid model rats.

Research progress and correlation analysis on “phytochemistry-pharmacological effects-CMM efficacy-diseases” of Portulaca oleracea / 中草药

Portulaca oleracea has the functions of clearing heat and removing toxin, cooling blood to stop bleeding and treating dysentery. It is a medicine and food homologous drug with no toxic effect, which is common to people. As a drug, it has high safety. P. oleracea has a variety of active ingredients and pharmacological effects. In order to fully exploit the purslane and accelerate the modernization of purslane research, this paper summarizes the research progress of purslane. On this basis, the correlation analysis of “composition-activity-CMM efficacy-disease” was carried out, in order to provide ideas for the modern research of P. oleracea.

Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante en extractos hidroalcohólicos de Portulaca oleracea L / Evaluation of the antioxidant activity in hydroalcoholic extracts of Portulaca oleracea L

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la actividad antioxidante en extractos hidroal-cohólicos de las partes aéreas de Portulaca oleracea L. Se obtuvieron extractos utilizando como solventes metanol (MeOH) y etanol (EtOH). Los fenoles totales y los flavonoides se cuantificaron con el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y el de complejación de aluminio. Para determinar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos se utilizó y mediante la metodología ABTS•+ (ácido 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolin)-6-sulfónico). El extracto metanólico presentó mayor capacidad antioxidante frente a los radicales DPPH• y ABTS•+, así como un mayor contenido de fenoles totales y flavonoides, en comparación con el extracto etanólico. Estos resultados demuestran que las partes aéreas de P. oleracea presentan actividad antioxidante.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity in hydroalcoholic extracts of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea L. Extracts were obtained using methanol and ethanol as solvents. Total phenols and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminum complexation reaction. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was screened using the DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydracil) radical scavenging method and the ABTS•+ (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin)-6-sulfonic acid) assay. The methanolic extract showed a greater antioxidant capacity against DPPH• and ABTS•+, as well as a higher content of total phenols and flavo-noid, in comparison to the ethanolic extract. These results suggest that the aerial parts of P. oleracea exhibit antioxidant activity.

Research and application of Portulaca oleracea in pharmaceutical area / 中草药·英文版

Portulaca oleracea, a plant species used as medicine and food, is widely spread in most areas of China. It is also a popular food in some Europe and Mediterranean countries. Purslane contains a variety of chemical constituents with pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory activities. It is also full of plenty of nutrients serving as a diet food or healthy food. Here we reviewed purslane in the following aspects: botanical resources, ethnopharmacological function, chemical constituents, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, safety evaluation and toxicity, and clinical applications.

Hepatic and Renal Biochemical Profile of Albino Rats Exposed to Chloroform and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn.

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.

Nitrate and nitrite poisoning in sheep and goats caused by ingestion of Portulaca oleracea / Intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ovinos e caprinos causada pela ingestão de Portulaca oleracea

Three outbreaks of poisoning by Portulaca oleracea were reported in sheep and goats in Northeast Brazil. In the first outbreak, 8 out of 20 sheep were affected and later died. In the second outbreak, three goats and one sheep died out of a flock of 30 animals that included both species. In the third outbreak, two out of 19 sheep were affected, and they recovered after a treatment of 2% methylene blue at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight. In the first and second outbreaks, the animals ingested P. oleracea after it was cut and offered in feeders. In the third outbreak, the flock was grazing in an area that had been invaded by the plant. To determine the toxicity, P. oleracea was administered experimentally at a dose of 80g/kg of body weight to seven sheep, weighing 19-30 kg. One control sheep received green grass. One to four hours after P. oleracea ingestion, the animals showed clinical signs of poisoning characterized by cyanotic mucous membranes, bloat, ruminal pH of 8-9, pollakiuria, aerophagia, involuntary movements of the upper lip, apathy, tachypnea and tachycardia. Five animals recovered, including one that was treated with 1% methylene blue, and two animals died. During necropsy, the mucous membranes were brownish, and the blood was dark brown. Diphenylamine tests of the plant and of rumen contents were positive for nitrates. Positive results for nitrates were also found in 24 samples of P. oleracea that were collected in different places in the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba. We conclude that P. oleracea accumulates nitrates at toxic levels and may cause poisoning in sheep and goats.(AU)

Relatam-se três surtos de intoxicação por Portulaca oleracea em ovinos e caprinos no Nordeste do Brasil. No primeiro surto morreram oito de 20 ovinos. No segundo morreram três caprinos e um ovino de um total de 30 animais das duas espécies. No terceiro surto foram afetadas duas ovelhas de um rebanho de 19 animais, que se recuperaram após o tratamento com azul de metileno a 2% na dose de 4 mg/kg/vivo. Nos surtos 1 e 2 os animais ingeriram P. oleracea cortada e oferecida no coxo e no surto 3 estavam pastoreando em uma área invadida pela planta. Para determinar a toxicidade de P. oleracea foram utilizados oitos ovinos, sendo sete experimentais e um controle, com peso entre 19 e 30 kg. A planta foi administrada por via oral, na dose de 80 g/kg/peso corporal. O animal controle recebeu capim verde e concentrado. Entre uma a quatro horas após a ingestão da planta os animais apresentaram sinais clínicos caracterizados por mucosas cianóticas, timpanismo gasoso, pH ruminal de 8-9, polaquiúria, aerofagia, movimentos involuntários do lábio superior, apatia, taquipnéia e taquicardia. Cinco animais se recuperaram, incluindo um que foi tratado com azul de metileno a 2%, e dois morreram. Na necropsia observaram-se mucosas de coloração marrom e sangue marrom escuro. O teste de difenilamina realizado na planta e no conteúdo ruminal foi positivo para nitratos. Resultados positivos para nitratos foram detectados em 24 amostras coletadas em diferentes locais dos estados de Pernambuco e Paraíba. Conclui-se que P. oleracea acumula nitratos em níveis tóxicos, e quando ingerida por ovinos e caprinos pode provocar intoxicação e morte.(AU)

Distribución espacial de la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga silvestre (Portulaca oleracea L) en la Región Lagunera de Coahuila, México / Spatial distribution of the probability of occurrence of wild purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in the Lagunera Region of Coahuila, Mexico

El interés por introducir verdolaga (Portulaca oleracea L.) como planta cultivable se ha incrementado paulatinamente debido a sus propiedades medicinales. Sin embargo, estudios acerca de su distribución espacial y relación con el tipo de suelo son escasos. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron determinar la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga, así como la relación entre su distribución espacial y las características edáficas en la Región Lagunera. Se obtuvieron datos de presencia/ausencia de esta planta y muestras de suelo superficial de sitios en distintas clases de tierra, y se determinaron las características físicas y químicas de los suelos. Los datos obtenidos se utilizaron para estimar la probabilidad de ocurrencia de verdolaga con una regresión logística y se cartografiaron. Los resultados muestran que la arena, la conductividad eléctrica y el pH influyen en la presencia de la verdolaga y su distribución espacial es diferente, donde los suelos de tierras blancas arenosas tuvieron la mayor probabilidad de ocurrencia.

A Portulaca oleracea L. extract promotes insulin secretion via a K⁺(ATP) channel dependent pathway in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate how a Portulaca oleracea L. extract (POE) stimulates insulin secretion in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. MATERIALS/METHOD: INS-1 pancreatic β-cells were incubated in the presence of various glucose concentrations: 1.1 or 5.6, 16.7 mM glucose. The cells were treated with insulin secretagogues or insulin secretion inhibitor for insulin secretion assay using an insulin ELISA kit. In order to quantify intracellular influx of Ca2+ caused by POE treatment, the effect of POE on intracellular Ca2+ in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells was examined using Fluo-2 AM dye. RESULTS: POE at 10 to 200 µg/mL significantly increased insulin secretion dose-dependently as compared to the control. Experiments at three glucose concentrations (1.1, 5.6, and 16.7 mM) confirmed that POE significantly stimulated insulin secretion on its own as well as in a glucose-dependent manner. POE also exerted synergistic effects on insulin secretion with secretagogues, such as L-alanine, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and especially tolbutamide, and at a depolarizing concentration of KCl. The insulin secretion caused by POE was significantly attenuated by treatment with diazoxide, an opener of the K+ ATP channel (blocking insulin secretion) and by verapamil (a Ca2+ channel blocker). The insulinotropic effect of POE was not observed under Ca2+-free conditions in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. When the cells were preincubated with a Ca2+ fluorescent dye, Fluo-2 (acetoxymethyl ester), the cells treated with POE showed changes in fluorescence in red, green, and blue tones, indicating a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+, which closely correlated with increases in the levels of insulin secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that POE stimulates insulin secretion via a K+ ATP channel-dependent pathway in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells.

Role of H1R, PAR-2/TRPV1 itch signal pathway on acute eczema and mechanism study of Portulaca extracts / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of Portulaca extracts on H1R,PAR-2 and TRPV1 in skins of rats and the regulation mechanism of H1R,PAR-2/TRPV1 itch signal pathway with atopic eczema.Methods:30 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group,model group and Porulaca group,each group contained 10 rats.In addition to the normal group,2,4-dinitrochloro-benzene was used on the rest of group for making rat model with atopic eczema.After the success of the model manufacture,each group was given corresponding drugs.After the last administration,EASI was evaluated.The levels of H1R,PAR-2 and TRPV1 in rats skins were detected by immunohistochemical method.Ca2+concentration was analyzed by flow cytometry.Results: Compared with normal control group,EASI(P<0.01),the levels of H1R(P<0.05) and PAR-2(P<0.01),and Ca2+concentration(P<0.01) of rats in model group were significantly increased.The levels of TRPV1 were not increased obviously (P>0.05).Compared with model group,EASI (P<0.01),the levels of H1R(P<0.01) and PAR-2(P<0.01),and Ca2+concentration(P<0.05) of rats in Porulaca group were sig-nificantly reduced,and the levels of TRPV1 were not decreased obviously(P>0.05).Conclusion:Purslane could reduce the levels of H1R,PAR-2 and Ca2+concentration to treat the acute eczema.The mechanism may be to lose the activation of downstream molecule TRPV1 and reduce the inflow of Ca2+by reducing the levels of upstream molecules H1R and PAR-2,then to achieve the effect of anti itch.

Pharmacokinetics of oleracimine in rats by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography

The novel alkaloid, oleracimine, presented remarkable anti-inflammatory bioactivity, and therefore, its pharmacokinetics was investigated in rat plasma after intravenous and oral administration by using a rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with UV detection at 270 nm. The analysis was performed on a shim-pack ODS column (75 mm×2 mm, 1.6 µm particle size, Shimadzu, Japan) column using isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (62:38, v/v) within 3 min. The results indicated that oleracimine was rapidly distributed with Tmax for 11.7 min after oral administration, which presented the double-peak phenomenon in the pharmacokinetic profile with a higher oral absolute bioavailability of 55.1% ± 7.83%.

Intoxicação por Portulaca elatior (Portulacaceae) em bovinos / Portulaca elatior (Portulacaceae) poisoning in cattle

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação aguda em bovinos causado pela ingestão de Portulaca elatior na região nordeste do Brasil. O surto resultou da ingestão a partir da administração da planta no cocho pelo criador para os bovinos. Quatro de cinco bovinos foram intoxicados e dois morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dor abdominal, tremores musculares, intensa salivação, timpanismo moderado e desidratação. O curso clínico da doença variou de 10 a 18 horas. Os achados macroscópicos incluíram desidratação, avermelhamento das mucosas dos pré-estômagos, abomaso e intestinos, além de ulceração da mucosa ruminal. Nos dois casos foi notada a presença de fragmentos de Portulaca no interior do rúmen. Os achados histológicos foram de degeneração e necrose das camadas superficiais do epitélio dos pré-estômagos, necrose e inflamação da mucosa intestinal e necrose linfoide. As atividades de AST e GGT estavam dentro dos valores de normalidade. O diagnóstico de intoxicação associado à ingestão de P. elatior foi baseado na epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e lesões. A ausência de informação sobre a toxicidade de P. elatior foi a principal causa para a ocorrência da intoxicação acidental.(AU)

An outbreak of acute poisoning in cattle caused by the ingestion of Portulaca elatior occurred in the northeastern Brazil. The outbreak resulted from ingestion of the plant provided by the farmer. Four out of five cattle were poisoned and two died. Clinical signs included abdominal pain, muscle trembling, intense salivation, mild bloat and dehydration. The course of the disease ranged from 10 to 18 hours. Gross findings included dehydration, reddening of the mucosa of forestomachs, abomasum, and intestine, with ulcerations of the ruminal mucosa. The presence of Portulaca leaves in the rumen was noted in both cases. The main histologic lesions were superficial to full thickness degeneration and necrosis of the stratified epithelium lining the forestomachs, necrosis and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, and lymphoid necrosis. The serum activities of AST and GGT and serum were within normal ranges. The diagnosis of poisoning associated with ingestion of P. elatior was based on the epidemiology, clinical signs and lesions. The lack of information about the toxicity of P. elatior was the main cause for the accident of poisoning.(AU)

Cytotoxicity of hydroxydihydrobovolide and its pharmacokinetic studies in Portulaca oleracea L. extract

ABSTRACT Hydroxydihydrobovolide (HDB) was for the first time isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and then its cytotoxicity against SH-SYTY cells was studied. Moreover, a rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method with bergapten as internal standard (IS) was developed and validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics of HDB in rats after intravenous and oral administrations of extract (POE). The UHPLC analysis was performed on a Diamonsil C18 analytical column, using acetonitrile-water (35:65, v/v) as the mobile phase with UV detection at 220 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.2-25 µg/mL in rat plasma. The average extraction recovery was from 90.1 to 98.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 4.7 and 4.1%, respectively. The results showed that 50 µM HDB had significant cytotoxicity on the SH-SY5Y cells, which was rapidly distributed with a Tmax of 11 min after oral administration and presented a low absolute bioavailability, 4.12%.

Salinity-induced changes in the morphology and major mineral nutrient composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L) accessions

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of varied salinity regimes on the morphological traits (plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fresh and dry weight) and major mineral composition of 13 selected purslane accessions. Most of the morphological traits measured were reduced at varied salinity levels (0.0, 8, 16, 24 and 32 dS m-1), but plant height was found to increase in Ac1 at 16 dS m-1 salinity, and Ac13 was the most affected accession. The highest reductions in the number of leaves and number of flowers were recorded in Ac13 at 32 dS m-1 salinity compared to the control. The highest fresh and dry weight reductions were noted in Ac8 and Ac6, respectively, at 32 dS m-1 salinity, whereas the highest increase in both fresh and dry weight was recorded in Ac9 at 24 dS m-1 salinity compared to the control. In contrast, at lower salinity levels, all of the measured mineral levels were found to increase and later decrease with increasing salinity, but the performance of different accessions was different depending on the salinity level. A dendrogram was also constructed by UPGMA based on the morphological traits and mineral compositions, in which the 13 accessions were grouped into 5 clusters, indicating greater diversity among them. A three-dimensional principal component analysis also confirmed the output of grouping from cluster analysis.

Study on in vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Pair of Euphorbia humifusa Willd. and Portulaca oleracea L / 中国药师

Objective:To study the in vitro antimicrobial activity of traditional Chinese medicine herbal pair of euphorbia humifusa Willd. and portulaca oleracea L. . Methods: The antibacterial effect in vitro of the traditional Chinese medicine herbal pair and the single herb of euphorbia humifusa Willd. and portulaca oleracea L. was studied on staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli and pseudo-monas aeruginosa by the 2-fold dilution method and the broth micro-dilution method in a 96-well plate. The minimum inhibitory con-centration ( MIC) , minimum bactericidal concentration ( MBC) and the diameter of inhibition zone were determined. Results:The ex-perimental strains showed the different sensitivity among the traditional Chinese medicine herbal pair and the single herb. The antibac-terial and bactericidal activity of the traditional Chinese medicine herbal pair was the most obvious(P<0. 05). As the temperature in-creasing, the antibacterial activity of all water extract on different experimental strains changed. The results of MIC and MBC showed that the effects of water extract on escherichia coli were strongest, that of stapphylococcus aureus were secong, ant that of pseudomonas aeruginosa were relatively weak. Conclusion:The traditional Chinese medicine herbal pair of euphorbia humifusa Willd. and portulaca oleracea L. has antibacterial and bactericidal activity in varying degrees on the experimental strains with some differences, and the changes in the application forms of traditional Chinese medicines has great influence on the antibacterial and bactericidal ability.