Effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) on glycemic markers in animal models of diabetes: A systematic review

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication and stability evaluation of okra seed protein stabilized nanoemulsion

The structure and functional properties of okra seed protein (OSP) were characterized, the ultrasonic homogenization process of OSP nano-emulsion was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and its stability was also evaluated in this study. The results suggested that OSP was a high-quality plant protein, rich in glutamic acid. The molecular weight of its main subunits distributed in the range of 10-55 kDa, and some subunits were connected by disulfide bonds. Although the water and oil holding capacities of OSP were inferior to those of soy protein isolate (SPI), its emulsifying ability was superior to that of SPI. And the OSP concentration, ultrasonic time and ultrasonic power had obvious effects on the droplet size of nanoemulsion. The optimum process of OSP emulsion was determined as follows: OSP concentration 2.4 %, ultrasonic power 600 W, ultrasonic time 340 s. Under these conditions, the median droplet size of the nanoemulsion was 192.03 ± 3.48 nm, close to the predicted value (191.195 nm). And the obtained nano-emulsion exhibited high stability to the changes of pH, temperature and ionic strength in the environment. Our results can provide reference for the application of OSP, and promote the development of plant protein-based nanoemulsions.

Clinical efficacy and safety of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

AIMS

The recent trend toward the use of natural functional and medical supplements has motivated the focus on the search and revival of traditional medicinal plant applications for many years. As a valuable dietary crop, okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal food. This clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the okra pod capsule as an adjuvant treatment in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus and provide clinical trial-based evidence about its anti-inflammatory effects.

METHODS

A total of 100 type II diabetic patients, aged between 40 and 60 years, were randomly assigned into two groups of okra and placebo. The first group was administered 1000 mg of powdered okra fruit three times a day for 3 months, while the other group received a placebo capsule with the same dosage. Both groups continued the standard antidiabetic therapy (consisting of metformin and gliclazide, as well as a nutritional regimen). At the start and three months later, various factors were measured, including FBG, insulin, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, CRP, liver and renal function tests, blood pressure, and BMI changes.

RESULTS

According to the results, patients who received okra treatment exhibited a significant decrease in FBG, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels when compared to both the baseline and the placebo group. Patients in the okra group have lower levels of hs-CRP compared with the placebo group after 3 months of treatment. No liver, kidney, and blood pressure or other side effects were observed in the groups associated with okra treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that adjunctive consumption of okra, in type 2 diabetic patients with 1000 mg three times a day for three months, improves lipid profile, glycemic control, and chronic inflammation without any tangible adverse effects.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

IRCT.Ir (IRCT20120112008712N2). https://www.irct.ir/trial/42042 .

Okra ameliorates hyperglycaemia in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence

Background: Despite the use of available pharmaceutical drugs, high rates of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disorders are alarming. This calls for alternative therapies that can attenuate these complications. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of okra on glycaemic control in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Methods: MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for relevant studies. Collected data were analysed using RevMan and reported as mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Eight studies, including 331 patients with pre-diabetes or T2D, were eligible.

Results: Our findings showed that okra treatment reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose: mean difference (MD) = −14.63 mg/dL; 95% CI (-25.25, −4.00, p = 0.007); I2 = 33%, p = 0.17 compared to placebo. Glycated haemoglobin, however, did not differ significantly between the groups: MD = 0.01%; 95%CI (-0.51, 0.54, p = 0.96); I2 = 23%, p = 0.28.

Conclusion: this systematic review and meta-analysis found that okra treatment improves glycaemic control in patients with pre-diabetes or T2D. The findings suggest that okra may be used as a supplemental dietary nutrient, especially in pre-diabetic and T2D patients due to its potential to regulate hyperglycaemia.

Rob (Asteraceae)

Vernonanthura brasiliana (L.) H. Rob is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of several infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of V. brasiliana leaves using in vitro and in silico approaches. The chemical composition of V. brasiliana leaf extract was determined through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigote was evaluated by the MTT method. In silico analysis was performed using Lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) as the target. The toxicity analysis was performed in RAW 264.7 cells and Tenebrio molitor larvae. LC-MS revealed the presence of 14 compounds in V. brasiliana crude extract, including flavonoids, flavones, sesquiterpene lactones, and quinic acids. Eriodictol (ΔGbind = -9.0), luteolin (ΔGbind = -8.7), and apigenin (ΔGbind = -8.6) obtained greater strength of molecular interaction with lanosterol demethylase in the molecular docking study. The hexane fraction of V. brasiliana showed the best leishmanicidal activity against L. amazonensis in vitro (IC₅₀ 12.44 ± 0.875 µg·mL^-1) and low cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells (CC₅₀ 314.89 µg·mL^-1, SI = 25.30) and T. molitor larvae. However, the hexane fraction and Amphotericin-B had antagonistic interaction (FICI index ≥ 4.0). This study revealed that V. brasiliana and its metabolites are potential sources of lead compounds for drugs for leishmaniasis treatment.