Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of purslane seed powder on indicators of metabolic syndrome in women with this syndrome. Materials & Methods: In this study, 64 middle-aged women (30-59 years old) with metabolic syndrome were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received 10 grams purslane seed powder combined with 150cc low fat yogurt daily for 12 weeks. The control group received only 150cc low fat yogurt daily for 12 weeks. At the first and at the end of the study, the height, weight, BMI, waist and biochemical indices such as LDL, HDL, TG, FBS and the blood pressure of all of participants were measured. Findings: The average age of the participants was 42.8 year. After consuming the purslane, there was significant decrease in weight (-1.07 versus 0.06 kg, p<0.001), BMI (-0.47 versus 0.009 kg/m2, p<0.001) and waist circumference (-2.06 versus -0.125 cm, p=0.001). Although there was decrease in serum levels of LDL (p<0.001) and TC (p=0.004), there was no meaningful change in serum levels of HDL and triglyceride. Also, consuming the purslane for 12 weeks meaningfully decreased the fasting blood glucose (-8.50 mg/dl, p=0.001), but it did not have any significant effect on systolic (-5.46 versus -2.81 mmHg, p=0.108) and diastolic blood pressure (-0.781 versus -1.40 mmHg, p=0.589). Conclusion: Consuming purslane for 12 weeks by women with metabolic syndrome decreased the anthropometric indices (BMI, waist & weight) and serum levels of LDL, TC & FBS.