Title:The Neuroprotective Effects of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) on Rotenone- Induced Biochemical Changes and Apoptosis in Brain of Rat
VOLUME: 12 ISSUE: 6
Author(s):Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim
Affiliation:Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, 11795 Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.
Keywords:Purslane, rotenone, neuroprotection, dopamine, striatum, rat.
Abstract:Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae L.), a member of the Portulacaceae family, is widespread as a weed and has
been ranked as the eighth most common plant in the world. In order to evaluate purslane herbal aqueous juice as a
neuroprotective agent, the antioxidant activity of purslane juice was assessed in vitro and the neuroprotective effects of
purslane (1.5 mL/Kg bwt) on rotenone (12 mg/Kg bwt for 12 days) induced biochemical changes and apoptosis in
striatum of rats were also examined. The repeated administration of rotenone produced dramatic increases in intercellular
content of calcium, dopamine metabolites and apoptosis in the striatum. In addition, rotenone administration caused
significant decrease in complex I activity. These biochemical changes and apoptosis inductions were effectively
counteracted by administration of purslane. Overall, the present study demonstrated the neuroprotective role of purslane in
the striatum and proposes its prophylactic potential against developing brain damage and Parkinson's disease induction
followed by rotenone administration, and that purslane may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against
environmental factors affecting the function of the dopaminergic system.
