Protective effect of purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) on cadmium chloride-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a widespread weed. Purslane has been used in folk medicine in many countries as a diuretic, febrifuge, antiseptic, antispasmodic. The present study was performed to assess the possible protective roles of purslane ethanolic extract on cadmium-induced testicular damage in adult Wistar rats. The 60 rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: normal control, purslane extract (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, intragastrically, daily), testicular damage control rats (cadmium chloride 3 mg/kg, intragastrically, daily), purslane extract (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, intragastrically, daily), together with cadmium chloride. After 28 days of treatment, the animals sacrificed and the testes were removed. Antioxidant enzyme status and lipid peroxidation levels in testicular tissue were determined. Our results showed that cadmium chloride significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, whereas increased malondialdehyde levels in testis. Administration of purslane extract significantly increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, whereas decreased malondialdehyde levels in testis. Our study demonstrated that purslane extract proffers a measure of protection against cadmium-induced antioxidant enzymes in rats.