Abstract

Portulaca oleracea (purslane) belonging to the family “Portulacaceae” was considered to be an anti-magic herb used to protect against variety of diseases. Here, we investigated the neuronal activities of P. oleracea in adult rats. Animals were treated with 1.5 ml/kg of aqueous extract of purslane (leaves and stem) for 12 days. Cerebellum, pons and medulla, cerebral cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus, midbrain and spinal cord were isolated to estimate the concentration of calcium, acetyl cholinesterase, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in them. Purslane was able to induce a significant decrease in calcium concentration of the brain cortex. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin were significantly altered in the studied brain regions after treatment of rats with purslane. Acetyl cholinesterase was increased in all brain regions except in the cerebellum. Our results suggest the potential role of purslane mediated changes in the neuronal tissues.

Key words: Portulaca oleracea, leaves and stem, neurotransmitters, acetylcholinesterase, calcium, brain, rats.