Interaction Effect of Combined Exercise and Supplementation With Portulaca Oleracea on Liver Enzymes in Obese Postmenopausal Women With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Objective: Regular physical activity and the use of portulaca oleracea may be effective in treating liver disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the response of liver enzymes to both exercise and supplementation with Portulaca oleracea in obese postmenopausal women with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Methods: Forty obese women with NAFLD were randomly divided into four groups of supplementation (n=10), combined exercise (n=10), placebo (n=10), and supplementation + exercise (n=10) after signing an informed consent form. Portulaca oleracea supplementation was taken as a 500 mg capsule daily before lunch and dinner. Combined exercise was performed for 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week each for 90 minutes. Liver enzymes were measured before and after the intervention. For statistical analysis, paired t-test and ANCOVA were used with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results: Combined exercise and portulaca oleracea supplementation significantly reduced the levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) enzymes in the groups exercise + supplement, exercise, and supplement. There was a significant difference between the exercise + supplement and placebo groups and between placebo and exercise groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Consumption of portulaca oleracea and combined exercise can decrease the serum levels of liver enzymes in women with NAFLD, which can be effective in treatment of patients with this disease.