Abstract
The rigla (Portulaca oleracea)is a cosmopolitan species with a diverse variety of biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective actions. In this research, the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea were harvested, air dried and powdered. Chemical tests were carried out on the ethanolic extract and the powdered specimen to determine the phytoconstituents using standard procedures. Also, the present study was undertaken to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea on a model of diabetic rats were fed a high-fat diet and injected with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35mg/kg i.p). Liver enzymes activity, kidney function, lipid profile and glucose level were determined. Diabetic rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) exhibited a significant increase in enzymes liver activity (p < 0.05), also, the parameters of kidney function recorded a significant increase (p < 0.05).  In additional, total triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose level revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05). The diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea, metformin (antidiabetic drug) or their combination exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in liver enzymes activity, kidney function, total triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose level. The present results confirmed that Portulaca oleracea exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress.