Effect of portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract on inflammatory factors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most serious liver disease that influences nearly-one-quarter of the worldwide adult population. Although the main mechanism of NAFLD is complex, several events can cause its progression such as oxidative stress, and inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated useful effects of purslane intake on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in NAFLD patients. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of purslane intake on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease we designed this study.Methods: We designed a randomized double-blinded clinical trial, and 74 patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to intake either 300 mg purslane extract (n = 37) or placebo (n = 37) for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), p65 nuclear activity, serum activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and NF-kB p65 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22 and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of 74 randomized patients, 71 completed the study. The two groups were comparable at baseline. At the end of the study, a significant decrease of NF-kB p65 nuclear activity was observed in the purslane group compared to the placebo group at the end of the trial (P = 0.012). Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of NF-kB nuclear activity, serum adiponectin and GPx.Conclusion: Purslane intake as an adjuvant therapy might be a safe and useful to management of hyper inflammation in patients suffering from NAFLD. However, longer trials investigating different dosages in longer durations are needed to underpin these findings.

Automated summary

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects nearly one-quarter of the worldwide adult population and is a serious liver disease. Recent studies have shown beneficial effects of purslane intake on oxidative stress and inflammation in NAFLD patients. This randomized double-blinded clinical trial investigated the efficacy and safety of purslane intake in NAFLD patients. The results showed a significant decrease in NF-kB p65 nuclear activity in the purslane group compared to the placebo group, suggesting that purslane intake may be a useful therapy for managing hyper inflammation in NAFLD patients.