Abstract
Background: Recent studies have revealed that Portulaca oleracea possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. In this work, the effects of P. oleracea methanolic extract against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats were examined. Methods: Eight separate groups of male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to different experimental groups. The initial group was administered normal saline as the control group. The next group was given a single dose of 2 mg/kg of cadmium for two weeks in a row, designated as the positive group. The same daily treatment was given to all three groups, consisting of 3, 4, and 5 rats, for a duration of two weeks. The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 were given purslane extract in doses of 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg/day, respectively, three hours prior to the administration of cadmium at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day. In the pre-treatment studies, groups 6, 7, and 8 received the extract daily for a period of two weeks at doses of 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg. After the final administration of the extract, cadmium sulfate was administered daily at a dose of 2 mg/kg for two weeks, starting 24 hours later. All administrations were done intraperitoneally. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Furthermore, tissue changes were examined through histopathological observations. Results: The study findings indicated that the levels of BUN and Scr were significantly elevated in the group exposed to cadmium compared to the group given normal saline (P < 0.05). Treatment with P. oleracea effectively reversed these changes towards normal levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results were confirmed and backed up by a histological analysis. Conclusion: Based on these results, P. oleracea extract seems to have potential as a novel preservative to stop further renal damage in cases of renal toxicity caused by cadmium.