Researchers tested a natural extract from purslane (a common plant) on rats to see if it could help prevent obesity and fatty liver disease. The rats that received the plant extract gained less weight, had better blood sugar control, and their livers showed less damage and inflammation compared to rats on a high-fat diet alone. The extract appeared to work by activating the body’s natural defense system against harmful molecules. While these results are encouraging, this study was done in rats, so scientists will need to test it in humans before we know if it could help people with similar health problems.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural extract from purslane plants could help prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease in rats eating a high-fat diet
  • Who participated: Adult male rats divided into groups: some ate normal food, some ate high-fat food, and some ate high-fat food plus the plant extract at different amounts. Each group had 8 rats.
  • Key finding: Rats that received the purslane extract gained significantly less weight, had lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and showed less liver damage and inflammation compared to rats that only ate high-fat food. These benefits increased with higher doses of the extract.
  • What it means for you: This suggests that compounds in purslane might help protect against weight gain and liver damage, but this is early-stage research in animals. Much more testing in humans would be needed before this could become a medical treatment.

The Research Details

Scientists divided rats into different groups and gave some of them a high-fat diet (similar to eating lots of junk food) while others ate normal food. Some rats on the high-fat diet also received the purslane extract three times per week for 12 weeks. The researchers measured changes in body weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, liver health, and markers of inflammation and damage in the liver.

To understand how the extract worked, they also tested what happened when they blocked a specific protective pathway in the body (using a substance called brusatol). This helped them figure out which biological mechanisms were responsible for the benefits.

This type of study is called a preclinical or animal study, which is an important first step in drug development before testing in humans.

Animal studies help scientists understand whether a treatment might work and how it works before spending time and money on human trials. This research design allowed researchers to carefully control all variables and measure specific changes in the liver that would be difficult to study in humans.

The study was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal. The researchers used a reasonable number of animals per group and tested multiple doses to see if higher amounts worked better. They also included a control group that blocked the protective mechanism to prove their theory about how the extract works. However, because this is an animal study, results may not directly apply to humans, and the extract would need extensive human testing before medical use.

What the Results Show

Rats that received the purslane extract gained significantly less body weight and had lower fat tissue compared to rats eating only high-fat food. The extract also improved blood sugar control and reduced cholesterol levels in the blood and liver.

The most important finding was that the extract protected the liver from damage. Rats receiving the extract had lower levels of harmful molecules that damage cells, less inflammation, and fewer signs of cell death in their liver tissue.

These benefits appeared to work in a dose-dependent manner, meaning that higher doses of the extract produced better results. The extract appeared to work by activating the body’s natural antioxidant defense system, which protects cells from damage.

When researchers blocked this protective pathway with brusatol, all the benefits disappeared, confirming that this specific mechanism was responsible for the extract’s effects.

The extract also reduced markers of inflammation in the liver and prevented the activation of harmful inflammatory pathways. It increased levels of protective proteins that fight oxidative stress (damage from harmful molecules) and prevented the activation of genes involved in fat production in the liver. The extract appeared to work by activating a specific protective protein called Nrf2, which is like the body’s master switch for turning on defense mechanisms.

Previous research has shown that oxidative stress and inflammation play major roles in fatty liver disease and obesity. This study builds on that knowledge by identifying a natural compound that can activate the body’s built-in defense system. The Nrf2 pathway that this extract activates has been studied for years as a potential target for treating various diseases, so this finding fits well with existing scientific understanding.

This study was conducted only in rats, so results may not directly translate to humans. The extract was given by forced feeding (gavage), which is different from how people would naturally consume it. The study only looked at male rats, so it’s unclear if the results would be the same in females. The duration was 12 weeks, which is relatively short, so long-term effects are unknown. Additionally, the study didn’t examine potential side effects or toxicity at higher doses.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, purslane extract shows potential for helping with weight management and liver health, but it is far too early to recommend it as a treatment. More research in humans is needed. If you’re interested in preventing fatty liver disease, current evidence supports maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting processed foods, and exercising regularly.

This research is most relevant to scientists studying natural compounds and fatty liver disease. People with obesity or fatty liver disease might find this interesting as a potential future treatment option, but should not use purslane supplements based on this single animal study. Anyone considering supplements should consult their doctor first.

This is very early-stage research. Even if human trials begin soon, it typically takes 5-10 years of testing before a new treatment becomes available to the public. Don’t expect this to become a medical treatment in the near future.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly body weight and waist circumference measurements, along with energy levels and digestive health, to monitor overall metabolic wellness while maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Use the app to set and monitor goals for reducing processed food intake and increasing physical activity, which are proven ways to prevent fatty liver disease and obesity
  • Create a long-term tracking dashboard for weight trends, dietary choices, and exercise frequency. Set monthly check-ins to review progress and adjust healthy lifestyle habits. Share data with healthcare providers during regular checkups.

This research was conducted in rats and has not been tested in humans. The purslane extract studied is not currently approved as a medical treatment. Do not use purslane supplements to treat or prevent fatty liver disease or obesity without consulting your doctor first. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.