Comparison of Diuretic and Electrolyte Excretory Activity between Compounds of Okra Fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Furosemide

@#Introduction: Hypertension takes place of being one of the most concerning health issues, leading to increasing rate of death due to its complications. Pharmacological therapy diuretic become one to intervene on hypertension’s pathological sequences through sodium and potassium regulation. Similar diuretic effect can be achieved through fruits and vegetables crop including Okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus). Objective: to investigate the diuretic variance of different part of Okra fruit’s (Abelmoschus esculentus). Methods: In total of 8 groups of male Rattus norvegicus rats are sorted into control and intervention groups. As control, the C- Group (negative control group) was given Na- CMC 0.5% suspension, and C+ Group (positive control group) was given furosemide. The experimental groups P1, P2, and P3 were given Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) whole fruit ethanolic extract; P4, P5, and P6 Group are were given Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedless fruit ethanolic extract within range concentration of 75-300 mg/ kg body weight. Urine volume is measured every hour for 6 hours and the 24th hour. Sodium and potassium measurements are executed towards 24-hour urine accumulation. Results: Single dose administration of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit significantly increase 5th hour urine volume as compared to furosemide (p < 0.001). Whole fruit of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) compared to seedless fruit exhibit no significant increment of urine volume and electrolytes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit produce similar diuretic effect to furosemide. However, seedless Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit exerts a higher kaliuretic effect compared to whole fruit and furosemide.

Determination of the efficacy of okra seed powder in aqueous solution as a glucose lowering agent compared to acarbose in STZ diabetic rats / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Okra is reported to have anti-diabetic effects, but the literature shows conflicting results. The experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of three doses of okra seed powder suspension as a glucose lowering agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its cellular effects on the liver and pancreas. @*METHODS@#Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats that were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally were randomly allocated to one of five treatment groups: okra seed powder at 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, acarbose (positive control) and vehicle only (negative control). The treatments were given as a 1.5 mL oral gavage daily for 21 days. Significant differences in blood glucose were determined between treatment groups in terms of relative change from baseline, using One-Way ANOVA with Dunnett’s method with acarbose as the referent group. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the blood glucose levels across the time point collections (baseline, T1 and T2). Histopathologic changes on the liver and pancreas were described using counts and proportions.@*RESULTS@#Mean blood glucose values increased from baseline to T2 in all treatment groups. Increasing trend was observed only up to T1 in the 150 mg/kg and the 200 mg/kg okra seed treatment groups. Comparing okra treatment groups to acarbose, the percentage increase of mean blood glucose from baseline to T2 was lowest in the 200 mg/kg okra group (p = 0.040). The okra-treated rats had no fatty change and a dose-dependent decrease in cellular degeneration in the liver and none for the 200 mg/ kg treatment group. @*CONCLUSION@#The 200 mg/kg okra suspension has a potential lowering effect on blood glucose and a hepatoprotective effect. A longer period of observation with higher doses of okra suspension is recommended to study these effects further.

Inheritance pattern of okra enation leaf curl disease among cultivated species and its relationship with biochemical parameters

Okra production in eastern India at present is severely threatened by whitefly-mediated okra enation leaf curl disease(OELCuD). Identification of resistant genotype and understanding the genetic control and biochemical relationship of OELCuD resistanceare prerequisite for developing an effective breeding strategy. This study was conducted employing six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 andBC2) of two selected (resistant 9 susceptible (R9S)) crosses. Associationship between severity of OELCuD and biochemical parametersof parents and hybrids at preflowering and flowering stages was studied. Segregation pattern of the genotypes in F2 generation showingOELCuD reaction of two crosses suggested that two duplicate recessive genes was operative for resistance to OELCuD. Generation meananalysis revealed involvement of both additive and nonadditive effects in the inheritance of disease resistance. Hence, postponement ofselection in later generations or intermating among the selected segregates followed by one or two generations of selfing to break theundesirable linkage and allow the accumulation of favourable alleles could be suggested for the development of stable resistant genotypeagainst this disease. Higher peroxidase activity and total phenol content in leaf emerged as reliable biochemical markers for early selectionof genotype resistant to OELCuD.

Avaliação da capacidade redutora de lipidograma do extrato aquoso de Abelmoschus esculentus: estudo in vivo / Lipidogram reducing capacity assessment of Abelmoschus esculentus water extract: in vivo study

Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do extrato aquoso de A. esculentus como agente redutor das taxas de lipídeos no sangue periférico de Rattus novergicus. Métodos: Foram usados Rattus novergicus (n=21), divididos em três grupos de sete, com alimentação ad libitum, sendo um grupo controle negativo, um controle positivo e um teste, onde os três foram submetidos a uma dieta hipercalórica, sendo que no segundo houve administração de Sinvastatina® e no terceiro, extrato aquoso de A. esculentus. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica de colesterol total, triglicerídeos e HDL, além das medidas de peso e tamanho. Resultados:O grupo T apresentou resultado significativo para o colesterol HDL, quando comparado ao controle negativo, mostrando-se com valor de 40,33 ± 1,25 mg/dl e 35,5 ± 0,92 mg/dl, respectivamente, p < 0,05. Porém, em relação aos demais parâmetros, o extrato aquoso não apresentou significância estatística, quando comparado aos controles positivo e negativo. Conclusão: O extrato aquoso de A. esculentus mostrou-se eficaz na elevação do HDL plasmático.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of the aqueous extract of A. esculentusas a lipid lowering agent in Rattus novergicus peripheral blood. Methods:Rattus novergicus (n = 21) were used, divided into three groups of seven, with ad libitum feeding, being a negative control group, a positive control and a test, where the three were submitted to a hypercaloric diet, and in the second Sinvastatin® was administered, and in the third, aqueous extract of A. esculentus. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL were measured, as well as weight and size measurements. Results: Group T showed a significant result for HDL cholesterol when compared to the negative control, with values of 40.33 ± 1.25 mg / dl and 35.5 ± 0.92 mg / dl (p < 0,05), respectively. However, in relation to the other parameters, the aqueous extract wasn't statistically significant when compared to the positive and negative controls. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. esculentus was effective in elevating plasma HDL.

Poly (Methacrylic Acid)-Grafted-Okra Gum: Synthesis, Characterization And Evaluation As Mucoadhesive

Recently, worldwide extensive attention is being paid in exploration and exploitation of pharmaceutical excipients from natural resource. Various natural polysaccharides have been significantly reported as prospective drug delivery carriers. These natural gums are preferred over synthetic polymers because of their biocompatibility, low cost, free availability and biodegradability. But due to variable chemical composition, microbial load, microbial growth and change in viscosity upon aging, acceptability is low compared to commercial synthetic products. Tailoring or modification may be an approach to make them smart as drug carriers specially in order to modulate the site of drug release and it’s kinetic. The chemical modification of okra gum (OG) was the main objective of the present study in order to make it potential mucoadhesive for the application in mucoadhesive drug delivery. In this study, methacrylic acid was grafted onto okra gum. At first, okra gum has been isolated from the fruits of Hibiscus esculentus. Poly (methacrylic acid)-grafted-okra gum (PMAc-g-OG) was synthesised employing a microwave-promoted and redox-initiated method. Potassium persulphate was used as free- radical-initiator. Methacrylic acid was mixed to 1% solution of OG and then 30 ml of potassium persulphate aqueous solution was added to the previous mixture along with continuous stirring. The mixture was exposed to microwave in a domestic micro-oven. The mixture was kept overnight and the copolymer was collected and purified using acetone and aqueous methanol (30% v/v) subsequently. The copolymer was charateized by elemental analysis, FTIR, DSC-TGA, and 13C NMR study. Ex-vivo mucoadhesion test was performed using goat stomach. A highest % grafting of 448.32% was found in the synthetic procedure employed in the study. The characterization studies also substantiate the successful grafting. Ex-vivo mucoadhesion study also showed excellent mucoadhesive capacity over a period of 16 hours. The study exhibited that the method employed was very simple, less time consuming, one-pot and without N2 atmosphere. The copolymer also exhibited excellent mucoadhesivity which might be applied in different mucoadhesive drug delivery systems such as prolonged release gastroretentives, buccal gels, etc.

Analysis of Physico-chemical and Hydraulic Characteristics of Soil in Forest Area of Southwestern, Nigeria

In this area of agricultural transformation by the government of Nigeria, every opportunity in order to achieve food security should not be ignored. Most studies on soil characteristics had centered on the suitability of the soil for agricultural production and it is observed that any soil that does not support crop production refers to as poor and unproductive. Achieving efficient production and high yield requires adequate knowledge of the soil and climatic conditions that are favorable to the crops. The study was conducted to investigates physico-chemical and hydraulic properties of forest soils in southwestern, Nigeria in latitude 7o5’3’’N and 7o 21’57.6’N and longitude 5o 10’31’’E and 5o56’6.3’’E. The soil samples were randomly taken from four (4) forest locations in Ondo State, Nigeria. The soils were taken at different depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) and the samples were taken to the laboratory in order to determine their pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations, and texture. The results of the soil test were then subjected to appropriate statistical analyses. Results show that sandy soil had the highest percentage in the forest at kajola oju-irin (70%). The bulk density is high in Ijare with 1.6 g/cm3 which could allow easy penetration of water and nutrient. Also, the soil pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable cations range from 4.65 to 6.99,78.28 to 89.20 mS/cm and 0.40 cmol/kg to 2.60 cmol/kg respectively. The soils are described as light and falls under sandy loam soil. This study provides information on the suitability of the soils in the forest areas in south west Nigeria.

Phenotypic and Molecular Screening of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes against Okra Leaf Curl Disease

Okra leaf curl disease (OLCD) is a major constraint on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) production in West Africa. The most effective way of managing this disease is through breeding and planting of resistant varieties. In order to identify sources of resistance and or tolerance, 21 okra genotypes were screened against OLCD in field trials which were conducted from May to October, 2015 (rainy season) and November 2015 to March 2016 (dry season). Field resistance was assessed at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after sowing (WAS) based on disease symptoms, and then confirmed by PCR amplification of viral coat protein gene. Populations of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), the vector of begomoviruses associated with OLCD, as well as fruit yields were also assessed. Both PCR and field trials showed that all the okra genotypes were susceptible to the viral infection. The genotypes varied significantly (P<0.05) among them in terms of severity of OLCD, whitefly infestation, mean fruit yield (t ha-1), and the average fruit weight per plant. Higher cumulative average population of whitefly and mean fruit yield (t ha-1) were recorded in the dry season than in the rainy season. Genotypes GH5332 and GH6105 consistently showed mild symptoms of OLCD and also had very high fruit yields of 11.88 t ha-1 and 9.34 t ha-1 respectively in the rainy season, and 6.108 t ha-1and 4.05 t ha-1 respectively in the dry season, far above the overall mean yields for all the okra genotypes. Both genotypes GH5332 and GH6105 should be evaluated multi-locationally at farmers’ fields prior to their release as varieties or they should be incorporated into breeding lines.

Verticillium Wilt of Okra Caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. in China

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) has gained more popularity as an economically significant plant for its nutritional and medicinal value, especially in China. During 2014–2016, the root disease of okra was discovered in four okra commercial fields surveyed in China. A fungul was isolated from the infected tissues, and was identified by Verticillium dahliae based on morphological characteristics. Pathogenicity test demonstrated that the fungus was pathogenic on okra, and fulfilled Koch’s postulates. The analysis of three sequences revealed 99–100% identity with the reported V. dahliae strain in GenBank. Neighbor-joining analysis of the gene sequences revealed that the representative isolates were clustered with V. dahliae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Verticillium wilt of okra in China.

Clinical Effects of Tacrolimus Combined with Okra Capsule in Treatment of Refractory Membranous Nephropathy / 现代生物医学进展

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of tacrolimus combined with Okra capsule in treatment of the refractory membranous nephropathy.Methods:Selected 60 patients with refiactory membranous nephropathy who were treated in our hospital from March 2014 to October 2015,and they were divided into observation group and control group with 30 cases in each group according to the random number table method.The control group was treated with prednisone,and the observation group was treated with tacrolimus combined with Okra capsule on the basis of the control group,the courses of treatment were 6 months in two groups.The clinical effects were observed in two groups,the levels of urine protein (uPRO),serum Albumin (sALB),serum Creatinine (sCr),serum Alanine aminotransferase (sALT),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1) were detected and compared in two groups before and after treatment,and the adverse reactions were recorded in two groups.Results:The total effective rate of the ob-servation group was significantly higher than control group (P＜0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels ofuPRO,TNF-α,TGF-β1 in two groups were decreased after treatment,while sALB,sCr were increased (P＜0.05),and uPRO,TNF-o,TGF-β1 in the observation group were lower than the control group (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P＞0.05).Conclusion:Tacrolimus combined with Huangkui capsule in the treatment ofrefractory membranous nephropathy has good curative effect,reduce renal damage,and low adverse reaction,worthy of promotion.

Induction of Defense-Related Physiological and Antioxidant Enzyme Response against Powdery Mildew Disease in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Plant by Using Chitosan and Potassium Salts

Foliar sprays of three plant resistance inducers, including chitosan (CH), potassium sorbate (PS) (C₆H₇kO₂), and potassium bicarbonates (PB) (KHCO₃), were used for resistance inducing against Erysiphe cichoracearum DC (powdery mildew) infecting okra plants. Experiments under green house and field conditions showed that, the powdery mildew disease severity was significantly reduced with all tested treatments of CH, PS, and PB in comparison with untreated control. CH at 0.5% and 0.75% (w/v) plus PS at 1.0% and 2.0% and/or PB at 2.0% or 3.0% recorded as the most effective treatments. Moreover, the highest values of vegetative studies and yield were observed with such treatments. CH and potassium salts treatments reflected many compounds of defense singles which leading to the activation power defense system in okra plant. The highest records of reduction in powdery mildew were accompanied with increasing in total phenolic, protein content and increased the activity of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase in okra plants. Meanwhile, single treatments of CH, PS, and PB at high concentration (0.75%, 2.0%, and/or 3.0%) caused considerable effects. Therefore, application of CH and potassium salts as natural and chemical inducers by foliar methods can be used to control of powdery mildew disease at early stages of growth and led to a maximum fruit yield in okra plants.

Anti-obesity Effects of Alcohol Extract from Abelmoschus esculentus Linn. and Its Correlation with Gene SREBP-1 and FAS / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-obesity effect of crude extract of okra on nutrition-obese mice. METHODS: The fifty SPF ICR male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control(0.9% normal saline), model(0.9% normal saline), okra alcohol extraction high, medium and low dose group(400, 200, 100 mg·kg-1). In addition to the mice in control group, the mice in other four groups were given high fat diet to make the model of obese mice, after oral administration for 4 weeks, eyeball blood of the mice was taken to measure the contents of serum triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), leptin(LEP), adiponectin(ADP), high density lipoprotein(HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein(LDL-C). Then mice were sacrificed to take their liver tissue and fat to detect the expression of SREBP-1 and FAS mRNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the model, the okra alcohol extract could effectively decrease the contents of TC, TG, LDL-C and LEP, increase the contents of HDL-C and ADP(P<0.01, P<0.05), improve the dyslipidemia, and regulate the secretion of protein in adipose tissue, to achieve the therapeutic effect on obese mice. The expressions of SREBP-1 and FAS mRNA were also significantly inhibited by crude extract of okra. CONCLUSION: The results show that treatment of crude extract of okra on obese mice is associated with the expressions of SREBP-1 and FAS.

Protective effect of okra seed oil on acute gastric ulcer in mice / 中国药科大学学报

To investigate the protective effect of the seed oil of Abelmoschus esculentus on gastric ulcer,two acute gastric ulcer mice models were established by intragastric administration of aspirin or absolute ethanol,respectively.Clinical index of ulcer area,ulcer index,gastric volume,gastric pH value,free acidity,total acidity,and histopathological assessment were measured to evaluate the injuries of gastric ulcer and the protective effect of okra seed oil In order to comprehensively uncover the possible underlying mechanism,a series of biochemical assays were also performed,including serum TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10 and Tbil,NO,MPO and SOD in the stomach included.Moreover,the ALT,AST and ALP in the liver of mice were also tested to evaluate the possible hepatic toxicity of the seed oil.The results indicated that the seed oil of A.esculentus exerted protective effect in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer mice by reducing the ulcer area and ulcer index,declining the free and total acidity,and increasing the pH value of gastric content.Histopathological observation showed the gastric mucosa of the acute gastric ulcer mice induced by alcohol was incomplete and severely damaged,with submucosal edema and nuclear pyknosis,as well as glandular structure disappearing,compared with that of normal mice.What's more,a number of inflammatory cell infiltration occured in the gastric mucosa of alcohol-model mice,with messes of neutrophils,lymphocytes,eosinophils and plasma cells.Okra seed oil could improve the damaged structure of the gastric mucosa and gland caused by ethanol,but could not ameliorate the condensation of nucleus and infiltration of inflammatory cells.Biochemical analysis revealed that the seed oil of A.esculentus could counteract the damage induced by ethanol via decreasing Tbil and TNF-α in serum,decreasing NO and myeloperoxidase,and increasing SOD in stomach.Meanwhile,okra seed oil exhibited protective effect in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer mice by increasing the gastric content pH,and reducing free and total acidity.Compared with the control group,the gastric mucosa of aspirin-model group showed multifocal coagulation necrosis,sheet edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells by histopathological assessment.Compared with the aspirin-model group,the soybean oil group and okra seed oil group could ameliorate the inflammatory cell infiltration.Biochemical analysis revealed that okra seed oil could counteract the injury induced by aspirin via decreasing TNF-α and IL-6,and increasing IL-1O in serum,decreasing NO and MPO and increasing SOD in stomach.In a word,the okra seed oil exerted protective effect on acute gastric ulcer by anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation and hepatocyte protection.The okra seed oil deserves further development and utilization.

Formulation and evaluation of lamivudine sustained release tablet using okra mucilage.

The present study was to extract the mucilage from the Okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) and to study the effect of mucilage concentration on in vitro release of Lamivudine from it’s sustained release matrix tablets. Mucilage was extracted from the fruits of Abelmoschus esclentus using organic solvent Acetone. The extracted mucilage was subjected to various physiological properties for its suitability as an excipient in the preparation of tablet. Lamivudine sustained release tablets were prepared using different concentration of Okra mucilage as a sustained release matrix excipient. The formulated tablets were evaluated for post compression parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability, wetting time, water absorption ratio, and in vitro drug release studies. Stability studies of optimized formulation were carried out for three months. The results of in vitro release revealed that the release rate decreased with increase in the concentration of mucilage. The release kinetics indicated that the nature of drug release from the matrix tablets was dependent on drug diffusion and polymer relaxation and therefore followed non-fickian or anomalous release. No incompatibility was observed between the drug and excipients used in the formulation of matrix tablets. The Okra mucilage showed promising results in terms of sustaining the release behavior of Lamivudine from the matrix. The developed sustained release tablets of Lamivudine, with extension of release up to 12 hours, can overcome all the disadvantages of conventional Lamivudine tablets.

Survival and preference of cotton boll weevil adults for alternative food sources / Sobrevivência e preferência para exploração de recursos de adultos do bicudo do algodoeiro

Abstract Plants that have potential as alternative food source (floral nectar, pollen and plant tissues) to the boll weevil during the intercropping season were evaluated considering the prevalent conditions of Cerrado in the Central Brazil. Initially, we tested the nutritional adequacy for the survival of the insect of flower resource (pollen and nectar) provided by eight plant species (fennel, mexican sunflower, castor bean, okra, hibiscus, sorghum, pigeonpea and sunn hemp). Subsequently, we tested if the resources provided by the selected plants continued to be exploited by the boll weevil in the presence of cotton plant, its main food source average longevity of boll weevil adults was significantly longer when they were fed on hibiscus’ flowers (166.6 ± 74.4) and okra flowers (34.7 ± 28.9) than when they fed on flowers of other six species. Subsequently, the preference of the boll weevil in the use of resources was compared between okra or hibiscus and cotton plants, in dual choice experiments. Boll weevils preferred plants of the three species in the reproductive stages than those in vegetative stages. Although the cotton plant in the reproductive stage was the most preferred plant of all, boll weevils preferred flowering okra and hibiscus than cotton at the vegetative stage.

Resumo Plantas que podem ser uma fonte potencial de recursos alimentares (néctar floral, pólen e tecidos vegetais) para o bicudo do algodoeiro durante a entressafra foram avaliadas, considerando as condições ambientais prevalentes na região de Cerrado do Brasil Central. Primeiro, testamos a adequação nutricional dos recursos (pólen e néctar) fornecidos por oito espécies de plantas (erva-doce, margaridão, mamona, quiabo, hibisco, sorgo, feijão guandu e crotalária) como único recurso alimentar para a sobrevivência do inseto. Posteriormente, nós avaliamos se os recursos fornecidos pelas plantas selecionadas continuaram a serem explorados pelo bicudo na presença do algodoeiro, seu recurso alimentar principal. A longevidade média do bicudo do algodoeiro foi significativamente maior quando eles foram alimentados com flores de hibisco (166,6 ± 74,4) e quiabo (34,7 ± 28,9) do que quando alimentados com flores das outras seis espécies. Em seguida, a preferência do bicudo no uso de recursos foi comparada contrastando o quiabo e o hibisco com o algodão, em experimentos de dupla escolha. Os bicudos preferiram as plantas das três espécies na fase reprodutiva em relação àquelas em estádios vegetativos. Embora a preferência por plantas de algodão na fase reprodutiva tenha sido maior, os bicudos preferiram plantas em floração de quiabo e hibisco quando estas foram contrastadas com o algodão na fase vegetativa.

Therapeutic effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus rats induced by streptozotocin

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats and its probable molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 female SD rats were caged with male rats for pregnancy, 27 pregnant rats were obtained and weighed. The pregnant rats were equally randomized into the control group, GDM group and intervention group. Once the pregnancy was verified, GDM group and intervention group were given 45 mg/kg streptozotocin by peritoneal injection for inducing GDM, control group was given equal volume of citrate buffer. Once the model was established successfully, intervention group was administered orally the solution containing 200 mg/kg/d okra extract, the other groups were given the diet and water only. On the 19th day of pregnancy, the blood samples and fetal rats of all groups were collected, fetal rats weight and placental weight was recorded and the serum glucose, lipids, serum insulin and C-peptide of pregnant rats before the delivery were determined.@*RESULTS@#The pregnant rats weight before the delivery, fetal rats weight and placental weight of GDM group were lower than control group and intervention group (P  0.05). Antioxidant enzymes levels of GDM group in liver and pancreas tissues were lower than the other groups, and after treatment of okra extract, antioxidant enzymes levels in liver and pancreas tissues were equivalent to control group (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Okra extract, rich in antioxidant substances, could avoid the excessive consuming of antioxidant enzymes, then, suppresses the oxidative stress and insulin resistance, thereby improving blood glucose level of GDM rats.

Therapeutic effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus rats induced by streptozotocin

Objective: To explore the effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) rats and its probable molecular mechanism. Methods: A total of 30 female SD rats were caged with male rats for pregnancy, 27 pregnant rats were obtained and weighed. The pregnant rats were equally randomized into the control group, GDM group and intervention group. Once the pregnancy was verified, GDM group and intervention group were given 45 mg/kg streptozotocin by peritoneal injection for inducing GDM, control group was given equal volume of citrate buffer. Once the model was established successfully, intervention group was administered orally the solution containing 200 mg/kg/d okra extract, the other groups were given the diet and water only. On the 19th day of pregnancy, the blood samples and fetal rats of all groups were collected, fetal rats weight and placental weight was recorded and the serum glucose, lipids, serum insulin and C-peptide of pregnant rats before the delivery were determined. Results: The pregnant rats weight before the delivery, fetal rats weight and placental weight of GDM group were lower than control group and intervention group (P 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes levels of GDM group in liver and pancreas tissues were lower than the other groups, and after treatment of okra extract, antioxidant enzymes levels in liver and pancreas tissues were equivalent to control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Okra extract, rich in antioxidant substances, could avoid the excessive consuming of antioxidant enzymes, then, suppresses the oxidative stress and insulin resistance, thereby improving blood glucose level of GDM rats.

Monitoring and decontamination of pesticide residues in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench).

A monitoring study was carried out in okra for a period of six months to assess the level of pesticide residues of three different chemical groups ie organochlorines, organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. Okra samples showed residues of malathion and profenophos. To evaluate the effect of different decontaminating solutions in the removal of pesticide residues, okra var. Varsha Upahar was sprayed with a mixture of pesticides which were frequently detected in okra. Estimation of residues was done using Gas Chromatograph equipped with Electron Capture Detector. The results indicated that dipping in tamarind (2 %) solution for 15 minutes followed by washing in tap water was found to be more effective in reducing all pesticides tested when compared with other treatment solutions. This study helped to standardize simple cost effective strategies to eliminate harmful pesticides from okra which could be practiced by home makers.

Microflora of Three Dehydrated Vegetables.

Consumption of fresh vegetables is very common in Nigeria. One of the methods of increasing the availability of vegetables all year round is drying. There is need to determine the microbial quality/safety of the dehydrated vegetables in order to determine the risk of food borne diseases. The microorganisms associated with three dehydrated vegetables (bitter leaf, bell pepper and okra) were isolated, identified and enumerated. The moisture contents of the vegetables were determined and the effects of varying temperature levels on growth of microbial isolates recovered from the samples were studied. A total of nine bacteria, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter iwoffi, Corynebacterium sp., Bacillus pumilus, Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Flavobacterium sp., Bacillus sp., Micrococcus kristianae and eleven fungi: Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium spp. were isolated. The mean for total colony forming units (cfu/g) for bacteria were 2.1x107cfu/g, 6.1x105cfu/g, 2.2x106 cfu/g for bell pepper, bitter leaf and okra, respectively while the mean for total colony forming unit (cfu/g) for fungi were highest (1.3 x 106cfu/g) in bell pepper while bitter leaf recorded the least (7 x 103cfu/g) mean for total colony unit for fungi. The mean for percentage (%) moisture content ranged between 16.6-25.8%.The optimum growth was recorded for all the bacteria and fungi at 37ºC and 30ºC; nearly all the isolates had their growth retarded at 45ºC. The recovery of several harmful microorganisms in this study suggest the need for proper handling of vegetables during processing and storage to minimize microbial contamination in order to protect consumers’ health.

Design and Evaluation of Compression Coated Formulations for an Anti-inflammatory Drug Based on Modified okra Mucilage.

Recently there has been greater interest in modified release systems like extended release or delayed release systems to deliver required amount of drug at specific site for duration of therapy. These systems play an important role in the chronotherapy of asthma, angina and arthritis. In the present study fast disintegrating core tablets of model drug diclofenac sodium were coated with coating material granules containing okra mucilage or modified okra mucilage in combination with HPMC K15M and evaluated for pre and post compression parameters. The in-vitro disintegration time for core tablets was 64.66±0.577 sec and the wetting time was 41.66 ±0.57 sec. All other parameters were satisfactory for core and coated formulations. Formulations P1, P2 and P3 showed drug release of 96.789 ± 0.66994 %, 100.86 ± 0.42729 % and 95.15 ±0.7180 % in 24 hrs respectively. The prepared formulations showed greater drug release after 6 hrs indicating a burst release in intestinal environment, making the formulations suitable candidates for colonic drug release. All the prepared formulations followed first order kinetics with release exponent n>1.There was no significant difference in in-vitro dissolution in presence and absence of rat caecal content indicating drug release depends on pH, swelling and erosion.

Enhancement in the germination, growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds.

The effect of pre-sowing magnetic treatments was investigated on germination, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Sapz pari). The dry okra seeds were exposed to sinusoidal magnetic field induced by an electromagnet. The average magnetic field exposure was 99 mT for 3 and 11 min and seeds with no magnetic field treatment were considered as control. Both treated and non-treated seeds were sown in experimental plots (120 m2) under similar conditions. Samples were collected at regular intervals for statistical analysis. A significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in germination percentage, number of flowers per plant, leaf area (cm2), plant height (cm) at maturity, number of fruits per plant, pod mass per plant and number of seeds per plant. The 99 mT for 11 min exposure showed better results as compared to control.