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Portulaca oleracea Linn. has a history of extensive use as a medicinal plant and is a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. Although several studies have been carried out exclusively on the leaves to ascertain the physiological effect, there seems to be dearth of literature on the physiological effect of the stem. This study which was designed to fill this gap investigated the sub-chronic effect of oral administration of chloroform stem extract of P.oleracea (CSEPO) on haematological parameters and plasma activities of some enzymes (Alanine Aminotransferase - ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase - ALP & Aspartate Aminotransferase - AST) and levels of other biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea and creatinine in male wistar rats. Twenty animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group A(Control) received 0.5 ml of olive oil(vehicle) while Groups B, C & D received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg body weight of CSEPO respectively for 21 days by oral gavage. At the end, the animals were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for haematology and plasma biochemical assay. No significant (P > .05) variation occurred in the mean values of ALT, ALP, AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, RBC, WBC and differential leucocyte counts relative to the control. There was a highly significant (P < .01) increase in the total platelet count only at the dose of 500mg/kg in comparison with control. Oral administration of CSEPO as used in this study had no adverse effect on haematological and biochemical parameters. Secondly, CSEPO may be a useful remedy in thrombocytopenia, due to its potential to increase platelet count. However, further study is recommended in that regards.

Background and aim Decoctions and infusions from the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea Linn., especially the leaves and stems, are used by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria to enhance fertility in humans. The scarcity of literature on the use of this plant for the said purpose as well as its efficacy prompted this research. Study investigated effect of lipophilic and hydrophilic leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea on oestrous cycle, female sex hormones at various phases of oestrous cycle and ovarian and uterine histomorphology in albino rats. Experimental procedure Experimental animals were randomly divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group A (control) received 0.5 ml 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), groups B, C & D received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of the lipophilic extract respectively and E, F & G received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of the hydrophilic extract respectively for 21 days. Oestrous cycle was assessed daily. At the end, blood samples (for hormones) and ovarian &uterine sections (histoarchitecture) were collected. Results and conclusion Both extracts had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on oestrous cycle, ovarian & uterine histoarchitecture and female sex hormones except at proestrus phase where significant (p, Graphical abstract Image 1047727, Highlights • Leaf extracts of P.oleracea at the doses used in this study decreased the anterior gonadotropins (FSH and LH) only at proestrus. • This shows that the extracts may have affinity for the anterior pituitary which secretes the gonadotropins. • Extracts may have deleterious effect on female reproductive system evidenced by the disruption of the hormones play at proestrus. • The finding can form a basis to refute the use of P.oleracea leaf extracts in enhancing fertility.

Objectives: To supply scientific information / literature on the use of P.oleracea in enhancing fertility in males; either to validate or to refute this folkloric use. This study investigated the effect of the lipophilic and hydrophilic leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea on male reproductive parameters. Methods: The extracts were obtained using two extracting solvents – chloroform and 80% aqueous methanol in succession. Experimental animals were randomly divided into 7 groups of 16 rats each. Group A (control) received 0.5ml 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), groups B, C and D received 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the lipophilic extract respectively and E, F and G received 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of the hydrophilic extract respectively for 60 days. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were weighed and anaesthetized for sample collection. Blood (for testosterone), testes (weight and histomorphology) and sperm cells from caudal epididymis (for semen analysis) were collected. Results: Both extracts had no significant (p>0.05) effect on testicular weight and histomorphology, and sperm cell characteristics but caused a significant (p