Protective Role of Ethanol Extract of Purslane Leaves (Portulaca oleracea L.) on Serum Malondialdehyde Levels, Follicle Stimulating Hormone Levels, and Endometrial Thickness in Female Rats Exposed to Monosodium Glutamate

Background: Excessive consumption of MSG increases blood plasma glutamate levels, forming hydroxyl radicals (O.H.) that cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, mitigating this oxidative damage in the body. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a native plant commonly found in Indonesia and often regarded as a weed, offers significant benefits as it can be consumed as a vegetable and utilized for its medicinal properties. Purslane plants have the most elevated levels of antioxidant activity in their leaves and stems. Aim: This study investigates the potential of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) in mitigating oxidative stress induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) and its effects on reproductive health indicators in female Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into groups receiving MSG alone or MSG with varying doses of Purslane over 28 days. Results: This study showed that Purslane significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, with optimal effects observed at 250-500 mg doses. FSH levels increased notably at 250 mg, and endometrial thickness showed a dose-dependent increase. Conclusion: These findings suggest that purslane supplementation could counteract MSG-induced oxidative damage and improve reproductive health markers. Further research is needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential in oxidative stress-related conditions.