Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of okra mucilage and its antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a traditionally important vegetable herb used to treat numerous illnesses, including diabetes mellitus, in many rural parts of Bangladesh and the South Asian subcontinent. However, the scientific evidence for the aforementioned properties has not been adequately validated. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the antidiabetic, antilipidemic activity of okra mucilage powder, and to compare its effectiveness with the isolated peel-seed of okra after mucilage extraction in Swiss albino mice. After extraction, both mucilage and peel-seed were made into powder. In addition, crude protein, mineral contents, and in vitro antioxidant activity of mucilage and peel-seed powder were assessed. After acute toxicity test, methanolic extracts of both powders were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic mice for 3 weeks. Blood glucose levels were assessed weekly. Finally, blood samples were collected on day 21 to estimate blood glucose level, total protein (TP), and lipid profile levels. Okra mucilage powder showed less amount of protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and iron compared with peel-seed powder. In terms of antioxidant activity, the IC50 value and total phenolic content were found higher in okra mucilage powder in contrast to peel-seed powder. However, total flavonoid content was higher in peel-seed powder than mucilage powder. Three-week administration of mucilage and peel-seed suspensions at a dose of 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg significantly (p < .05) reversed the abnormal changes of bodyweights, water consumption, feed consumption, and fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic subjects. Cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, and total protein were found to be significantly (p < .05) improved after mucilage and peel-seed treatment. Thus, Okra can be recommended as a potential source of antidiabetic drug candidate for the effective management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.