Phytochemical profile and hypoglycemic activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) fruit extract

The phytochemical profile and hypoglycemic activity of an indigenous vegetable, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) fruit extract were determined and evaluated. Fruits of A. esculentus were extracted by water successive extractions to yield hydrophilic (aqueous extract) and lipophilic extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts), respectively. Resulting crude extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening and evaluated for hypoglycemic activity using normal mice. Results revealed that aqueous okra fruit extract exhibits the most potent hypoglycemic activity with effects comparable to the standard drug, Glibenclamide. Furthermore, phytochemical screening of the various extract revealed that only the aqueous extract contains phytosterol. Thus, suggesting that the hypoglycemic activity may be due to the phytosterol present in the extract. Results of the acute oral toxicity study on the active extracts (aqueous extract) showed the non-toxic nature of A. esculentus fruit. Single oral dose administration of up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract did not result to evident toxicity nor death in the experimental animals after 14 days of observation. One-twentieth of 2000 mg were taken as effective doses for the succeeding experiments. Results of the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract contains phytosterol present in the extract. Results of the acute oral toxicity study on the active (aqueous extract) showed at the non-toxic nature of A. esculentus fruit. Sinlge oral dose administration of up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract did not result to evident toxicity nor death in the experimental animals after 14 days of observation. One-tenth and one-twentieth of 2000 mg were taken as effective dose for the succeeding experiments. Results of the evaluation of the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract in normal mice supported the similarity in activity between Glibenclamide and Aqueous Extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. On the other hand, alloxan-induced diabetic mice showed minimal hypoglycemic activity at 200 mg of aqueous extract. This further support the Glibenclamide-like activity of the okra fruit extract (i.e stimulation of pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion). On the basis of the above evidences, it is possible that the phytosterol present in the Aqueous Extract of A. esculentus fruit may be responsible for the observed hypoglycemic activity.