Investigating the in vitro mode of action of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) as hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant food

Okra polysaccharide mitigates carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress

Introduction

Thrombosis is a serious health hazard, which has been paid more and more attention.Okra polysaccharide (OP) is a biologically active substance extracted from okra which exhibits anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative properties. Nevertheless, the effect of OP on thrombosis is still unknown. In this study, we determined whether OP can suppress carrageenan-induced mice thrombosis and its involved mechanism.

Methods

Twenty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to four groups randomly (6 mice/group): Ctrl, Model, OP low lose (OP-L, 200 mg/kg body weight), and OP high lose (OP-H,400 mg/kg body weight) were administered via intragastric administration for 9 days. Tails were photographed before collecting for H&E and Masson staining. Liver and lung tissues were collected for H&E staining, RT-qPCR, Western blot and GSH content detection. Injury or dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) was assessed using RT-qPCR, Western blot and cell adhesion assays.

Results

OP can effectively improve carrageenan-induced thrombosis in tissues of mice (tail, liver, and lung) in vivo. In addition, OP inhibited inflammation by suppressing the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and reduced oxidative damage by elevating the level of GSH and antioxidant enzyme in liver and lung tissues. In vitro, OP inhibited thrombin-induced human platelet clots retraction, and decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) by suppressing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level.

Discussion

In conclusion, OP can inhibit thrombosis in mouse model by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, which suggest that OP could act as a potential functional food for prevention of thrombus.

In-vitro evaluation of the effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract on periodontal cells: a comprehensive study of cellular and molecular impacts

BACKGROUND

This research assessed the potential role of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract on periodontal tissue wound healing by evaluating its effects on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF), human gingival fibroblast (hGF), and human osteoblast (hOB) cells in vitro.

METHODS

The viability effect of okra extract on hPDLF, hGF, and hOB cells was determined using the MTT assay protocol. The highest viability concentrations were applied to hPDLF and hOB cells, and the expression levels of on type 1 collagen (COL1), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) proteins were determined through ELISA. The extract was also tested for antioxidant (CUPRAC, DPPH, FCR, and FRAP tests), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and antimicrobial properties, and its content was determined by HPLC-DAD.

RESULTS

The viability results showed no significant difference between the okra extract-treated and control groups for all cell types. In hPDLF cells, higher expression levels of COL1 and AXIN2 in the okra extract-treated group compared to the control group, while BMP2 expression level was lower. In hOB cells, the extract-treated group had higher levels of COL1, BMP2, and AXIN2 expression than the control group.

CONCLUSION

It can be posited that okra extract may activate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and may have a beneficial impact on wound healing in periodontal tissues. However, extensive long-term in-vivo research on the activation of signalling pathways by okra extract in periodontal wound healing is required.

The cardiometabolic benefits of okra-based treatment in prediabetes and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effects of okra consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes. Okra is a widely consumed vegetable with potential health benefits, and understanding its impact on metabolic parameters in these populations is important.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted up to May 2024 in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science to find relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by using following keyword: ("okra" OR "okras" OR "abelmoschus esculentus") AND ("intervention" OR "controlled trial" OR "randomized" OR "randomized" OR "randomly" OR "clinical trial" OR "trial" OR "randomized controlled trial" OR "randomized clinical trial" OR "RCT" OR "blinded" OR "placebo" OR "Cross-Over" OR "parallel"). The selected trials were subjected to heterogeneity tests using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were examined based on the heterogeneity tests, and the pooled data were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In this meta-analysis, all the analyses were performed by using the STATA version 17 software.

Results

Of the 1,339 papers, nine eligible RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. Our findings indicated that okra consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) levels (WMD: -14.40 mg/dL; (95% CI: -20.94 to -7.86); p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: -7.90 mg/dL; (95% CI: -13.30 to -2.48); p = 0.004), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: -39.58 mg/dL; (95% CI: -61.60 to -17.56); p < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.46 mg/dL; (95% CI: -0.79 to -0.13); p = 0.005). Overall effect size showed that okra intake failed to change triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight, and body Mass Index (BMI) significantly.

Conclusion

Okra decreased TC, LDL, FBG, and HbA1c levels in the intervention compared to the control group. A dose ≤3,000 mg/day caused a significant decrease in TG, TC, LDL, HbA1c, and a significant increase in HDL. More study is needed to determine the optimum dose and duration of intervention.

Biochemometrics-Based Identification of Gallic Acid and Gallic Acid Galloylglucosides From Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi With Cytotoxic Effects on Cultured Melanoma Cells

INTRODUCTION

Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae) is a genus of widespread succulent plants extensively studied for their biological activities. Plants of the genus are considered a potential source of antitumor agents.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract and fractions of leaves of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi R. Hamet & H. Perrier on the proliferation of melanoma cell lines employing an NMR-based biochemometric approach complemented with HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-MS/MS analyses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The n-butanol fraction (KFBuOH) from K. fedtschenkoi aqueous leaf extract, which decreased B16F10 murine melanoma cells viability by 65% at 100 μg/mL, was fractionated with RP-18 SPE and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The fractions were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and submitted to MTT cytotoxicity assays against cultured melanoma cells. Orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to correlate their 1H-NMR profile and cytotoxic activity.

RESULTS

This strategy enabled the identification of gallic acid (1) and two gallic acid glucosides-gallic acid 4-O-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside) (2) and gallic acid 3-O-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside) (3)-as putative bioactive substances, which was further corroborated by subsequent assays with enriched fractions and a gallic acid standard. The fractions enriched in gallic acid (KFA) and gallic acid galloylglucosides (KFB) evidenced selective cytotoxicity towards B16F10 cells (IC50 43.0 and 56.6 μg/mL, respectively) and MV3 human melanoma cells (IC50 93.6 and 66.1 μg/mL, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a potential therapeutic use for K. fedtschenkoi in melanoma treatment. This is the first study to evidence a potential antitumor activity for gallic acid galloylglucosides.

Effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) on Dyslipidemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies

The global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, is rising. While pharmacological treatments for dyslipidemia and associated CVDs exist, not all individuals can afford them, and those who do often experience adverse side effects. Preclinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus and its active phytochemicals in addressing dyslipidemia in rodent models of diabetes. However, there is limited clinical evidence on lipid parameters. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential impact of Abelmoschus esculentus on dyslipidemia. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant trials published from inception until 11 August 2024. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software version 2.4.8 and Review Manager (version 5.4), with effect estimates reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The evidence from eight studies with nine treatment arms showed that Abelmoschus esculentus reduces total cholesterol (TC), SMD = -0.53 (95% CI: -1.00 to -0.07), p = 0.025), compared to placebo. Additionally, triglyceride (TG) was reduced in Abelmoschus esculentus compared to placebo, SMD = -0.24 (95% CI: -0.46 to -0.02), p = 0.035. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was also reduced, SMD = -0.35 (95% CI: -0.59 to -0.11), p = 0.004 in Abelmoschus esculentus versus placebo. This remedy substantially increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), SMD = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.61), p = 0.014). Abelmoschus esculentus substantially improved lipid profile in prediabetes, T2D, obesity, and diabetic nephropathy. While the evidence confirms the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus in reducing dyslipidemia, it is important for future clinical studies to standardize the effective dosage for more reliable results. Therefore, future trials should focus on these markers in well-designed trials with sufficient sample sizes. Furthermore, Abelmoschus esculentus can be supplemented to the diet of the relevant populations to alleviate dyslipidemia.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Yataprasen Thai Traditional Formulary and Its Active Compounds, Beta-Amyrin and Stigmasterol, in RAW264.7 and THP-1 Cells

Yataprasen (YTPS) remedy formulary, a national Thai traditional medicine formulary, comprises 13 herbal plants. It has been extensively prescribed to relieve osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain in the Thai traditional medicine healthcare system. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioactive compounds (β-amyrin and stigmasterol) of YTPS remedy formulary ethanolic extract, along with its composition. The YTPS formulary extract contains 70.30 nM of β-amyrin and 605.76 nM of stigmasterol. The YTPS formulary extract exhibited ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 144.50 ± 2.82 and 31.85 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract of YTPS at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL showed a significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect, mainly by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α release in response to LPS. NO production was prominently lowered by 50% at 24.76 ± 1.48 µg/mL, 55.52 ± 24.40 µM, and more than 570 µM of YTPS formulary extract, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol, respectively. Major components of YTPS, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α secretion in THP-1 cells. Our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract from YTPS holds promise as an alternative topical treatment for osteoarthritis and inflammatory disorders, potentially with fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Role of nutraceutical against exposure to pesticide residues: power of bioactive compounds

Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops from pests and diseases. However, their indiscriminate use has raised concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Pesticide residues in food and water supplies are a serious health hazards to the general public since long-term exposure can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurotoxicity, among other health problems. In response to these concerns, researchers and health professionals have been exploring alternative approaches to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues. Bioactive substances called nutraceuticals that come from whole foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices have drawn interest because of their ability to mitigate the negative effects of pesticide residues. These substances, which include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, have a variety of biological actions that may assist in the body's detoxification and healing of harm from pesticide exposure. In this context, this review aims to explore the potential of nutraceutical interventions as a promising strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of pesticide residues.

Growth, ultrastructural and physiological characteristics of Abelmoschus cytotypes under elevated ozone stress: a study on ploidy-specific responses

Tropospheric ozone (O3 ) is a significant abiotic stressor whose rising concentration negatively influences plant growth. Studies related to the differential response of Abelmoschus cytotypes to elevated O3 treatment are scarce and need further exploration to recognise the role of polyploidisation in stress tolerance. In this study, we analysed the changes in growth pattern, ultrastructure, physiology and foliar protein profile occurring under O3 stress in Abelmoschus moschatus (monoploid), Abelmoschus esculentus (diploid) and Abelmoschus caillei (triploid). Our findings showed that higher stomatal conductance in A. moschatus triggered higher O3 intake, causing damage to stomatal cells and photosynthetic pigments. Additionally, it caused a reduction in photosynthetic rates, leading to reduced plant growth, total biomass and economic yield. This O3 -induced toxicity was less in diploid and triploid cytotypes of Abelmoschus . Protein profiling by sodium dodecyl sulpate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a significant decrease in the commonly found RuBisCO larger and smaller subunits. The decrease was more prominent in monoploid compared to diploid and triploid. This study provides crucial data for research that aim to enhance plant ability to withstand O3 induced oxidative stress. Our findings may help in developing a tolerant variety through plant breeding techniques, which will be economically more advantageous in reaching the objective of sustainable production at the high O3 levels projected under a climate change scenario.

The impacts of okra consumption on the nutritional status of pregnant women, west Ethiopia

Food-insecurity and poor-quality diets remain a challenge for pregnant women. Consumption of okra has a great impact on improving the nutritional status of pregnant women. Okra plays a critical role in the prevention of malnutrition among pregnant women living in resource-limited settings. The evidence is scarce on the impacts of okra on mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement of pregnant women. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among randomly selected 224 pregnant women from June 1 to July 30, 2020. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. The MUAC was measured by using an adult MUAC measuring tape. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis by linear regression. The statistical significance of variables was declared at a p-value of .05, and unstandardized beta (β) coefficients along with a 95% confidence interval were computed. The proportion of pregnant women with low MUAC (≤22 cm) was 42.4%. In the multivariable linear regression model, hemoglobin concentration (β = 0.346, [95% CI: 0.153, 0.539], p = .001), food insecurity (β = -0.887, (95% CI: -1.441, -0.334), p = .002), daily consumption of okra (β = 1.269, [95% CI: 0.583, 1.956], p ≤ .001), and women working in NGO (β = 0.443, [95% CI: 0.256, 0.630], p ≤ .001) were significant variables. The prevalence of malnutrition among pregnant women (MUAC ≤ 22 cm) was 42.4%. Therefore, behavioral change communication interventions to promote okra consumption on regular basis were recommended.