Researchers tested whether purslane, a leafy plant, could help repair liver damage in rats. The study found that purslane powder reduced harmful substances in the blood and improved liver function markers. The plant appears to work by fighting inflammation and oxidative stress—two major causes of liver scarring. While these results are promising, this research was done in rats, so we need human studies before recommending purslane as a liver treatment. The findings suggest purslane contains helpful compounds that might support liver health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether purslane plant powder could help reverse liver scarring (fibrosis) by reducing inflammation and harmful molecules in the body
  • Who participated: 60 male laboratory rats divided into 6 groups: a healthy control group, a group with induced liver damage, a group receiving standard liver medicine, and three groups receiving different amounts of purslane powder
  • Key finding: Rats given purslane powder showed improved liver function tests and reduced harmful substances in their blood. The highest dose (1200 mg/kg) worked best, lowering cholesterol by about 101 mg/dL and improving good cholesterol levels
  • What it means for you: Purslane may have compounds that protect the liver and reduce scarring, but this study was in rats only. Humans would need separate research before using purslane as a liver treatment. Talk to a doctor before trying purslane supplements

The Research Details

Scientists took 60 male rats and divided them into six equal groups. One group stayed healthy as a comparison. Another group had their bile ducts tied to create liver damage similar to human liver disease. The remaining four groups received either a standard liver medicine (silymarin) or three different doses of purslane shoot powder for four weeks. Researchers measured blood chemicals and liver function before and after treatment to see if purslane helped repair the damage.

The purslane powder was made by drying and grinding purslane shoots. Scientists first tested what nutrients and beneficial compounds were in the powder, including antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats. They then tracked how these compounds affected the damaged livers in the rats.

This type of animal study helps researchers understand whether a natural substance might work before testing it in humans. By using rats with artificially created liver damage, scientists can control all the conditions and measure exact effects. The study design allowed researchers to test three different doses to find which amount worked best, which is important information for any future human research.

This study has some strengths: it used a control group for comparison, tested multiple doses, and measured several liver health markers. However, there are limitations: it only tested male rats (results might differ in females), used a relatively small sample size, and didn’t follow the rats long-term after treatment stopped. Animal studies don’t always translate to humans, so these results need confirmation in human trials before making health recommendations.

What the Results Show

Rats that received purslane powder showed significant improvements in liver function. The highest dose of purslane (1200 mg/kg) lowered cholesterol levels to 101 mg/dL, which was better than the other doses tested. Good cholesterol (HDL) also increased in all purslane groups, with the highest dose producing the best results at 15.09 mg/dL.

Liver function tests—which measure how well the liver is working—improved dramatically in rats receiving purslane. The medium dose (800 mg/kg) showed the best results for some markers: alkaline phosphatase dropped to 135.7 IU/L, ALT fell to 41.9 IU/L, and AST decreased to 93.4 IU/L. These numbers suggest the liver was healing and functioning better.

Purslane also reduced harmful molecules called malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, which damage liver cells and cause scarring. By lowering these damaging substances, purslane appeared to protect the liver from further injury and allow healing to occur.

The nutritional analysis of purslane powder revealed it contains important antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds likely explain why purslane helped the liver—antioxidants fight cellular damage, minerals support liver function, and healthy fats reduce inflammation. The study suggests purslane works by activating special liver cells that normally cause scarring, essentially ’turning off’ the scarring process.

Previous research has suggested that purslane contains beneficial compounds, but this is one of the first studies testing it specifically for liver fibrosis in an animal model. The results align with traditional medicine uses of purslane for liver health. The study’s findings are comparable to silymarin (a standard liver medicine), suggesting purslane might be a natural alternative worth further investigation.

The biggest limitation is that this research was conducted only in rats, not humans. Rat livers work differently than human livers, and results don’t always transfer to people. The study only tested male rats, so we don’t know if purslane would work the same way in females. The treatment lasted only four weeks, so we don’t know about long-term effects or whether benefits persist after stopping purslane. The study didn’t examine potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Finally, the sample size of 60 rats total (10 per group) is relatively small, which means results need confirmation in larger studies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this rat study, purslane shows promise for liver health, but human research is needed before recommending it as a treatment. Current evidence level: LOW (animal study only). If you have liver disease, consult your doctor before trying purslane supplements. Do not replace prescribed liver medications with purslane without medical supervision. If your doctor approves, purslane might be considered as a complementary approach alongside standard treatment.

People with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis should be most interested in this research, as should those with chronic liver disease from hepatitis or fatty liver disease. Healthcare providers treating liver disease may find this research relevant for future treatment options. However, this study is too early-stage to recommend for anyone yet. People taking blood thinners or liver medications should be especially cautious, as purslane might interact with these drugs.

In the rat study, improvements appeared within four weeks of treatment. If purslane were tested in humans, benefits would likely take several weeks to months to become noticeable. Liver healing is a slow process, so realistic expectations would be gradual improvement over 2-3 months of consistent use, assuming human studies eventually confirm the rat findings.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a doctor approves purslane use, track weekly energy levels and digestive symptoms (0-10 scale) along with any bloating or abdominal discomfort. Note purslane dose and timing. This helps identify whether purslane is having noticeable effects on how you feel.
  • Users could log daily purslane powder intake (amount and time), note any side effects or digestive changes, and track scheduled liver function blood tests. Set reminders for consistent daily dosing if recommended by a healthcare provider. Document any changes in energy, appetite, or digestive symptoms.
  • Establish a baseline with liver function blood tests before starting purslane (if approved). Retest every 6-8 weeks to measure changes in liver enzymes and cholesterol. Log subjective symptoms weekly. Schedule follow-up doctor visits every 3 months to review progress and adjust treatment if needed. This long-term tracking helps determine if purslane is actually helping your specific liver condition.

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. Purslane should not be used to replace prescribed liver medications or medical treatment without explicit approval from your healthcare provider. People with liver disease, those taking blood thinners, or individuals on medications that affect liver function should consult their doctor before using purslane supplements. Purslane may interact with medications or cause side effects in some people. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek professional medical guidance before starting any new supplement or treatment for liver disease.