Effect of Chloroform Leaf Extracts of Portulaca oleracea Linn. (Purslane) on Haematological Parameters in Albino Wistar Rats

Portulaca oleracea, Linn. (Purslane), a widely eaten leafy vegetable in some parts of the world, is known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and C, and beta-carotene. It is frequently used in ethnomedicinal treatment of various ailments including anaemia. The dearth of information on the haematological properties of Portulaca oleracea which is used as staple vegetable and remedy for anaemia prompted this study. The study investigated the effect of the oral administration of chloroform leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea (CLEPO) on haematological parameters in male albino wistar rats. Experimental animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 16 rats each. Group A(Control) received 0.5 ml/kg bw of 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups B, C & D received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 60 days by oral gavage. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for haematology. Increase in platelet count was recorded in all the test groups although only group B and D (125 and 500 mg/kg groups) on day 60 showed significant (p<0.05) increase relative to control. No significant (p>0.05) variation occurred in the mean haematocrit value, haemoglobin level, erythrocyte count, leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count relative to the control throughout the 60-day duration except in group D (500 mg/kg group) on day 28 where significant (p<0.05) decrease in haematocrit was observed. Oral administration of chloroform leaf extracts of P. oleracea as used in this study had no significant effect on haematological parameters. Although the absence of adverse effect on the haematological parameters over a 60 day period justifies the use of Portulaca oleracea as a staple vegetable, its use in the treatment of anaemia is not recommended.