Effects of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn. (Purslane) on male reproductive parameters in albino rats

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