Hypoglycemic Activity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Participants with Impaired

Abstract

Introduction: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is characterized by a blood glucose level higher than normal but lower than that of diabetes level. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) is an alternative hypoglycemic and antidiabetic plant due to its phytochemical constituents that regulate intestinal glucose absorption and prevents insulin resistance. This study determined the hypoglycemic activity of okra among IFG participants. Methodology: Subjects were random subjects with impaired fasting glucose results upon screening.  Quasi-experimental pre-test post-test was used where a standard glucose load was consumed in the control phase and powdered okra seed-peel mixed with the glucose load was consumed during the experimental phase. The blood sugar concentration was measured again every hour until three hours after consumption of the standard glucose load. In the experimental phase, the same group of participants was asked to consume 75 grams of glucose load with powdered okra peel that depends on their body weight (200 mg/kg of body mass). Fasting, 1 -hour, 2-hour and 3-hour glucose concentration were measured the same way it was done during the control phase. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that Abelmoschus esculentus has its hypoglycemic effect only during the first hour while data results for the 2nd and 3 rd hour are considered insignificant. The results proved that okra’s mechanism in lowering glucose levels is immediate yet of short duration. Discussion: Based on the data gathered, the researchers conclude that the powdered peel of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) is effective in lowering the blood glucose levels of IFG individuals only during the first hour after the administration of oral glucose load. Abelmoschus esculentus may not be effective in lowering the blood glucose after the next hours due to the fact that its mechanism of action is immediate but of short duration. The researchers recommend future researches on the study of Abelmoschus esculentus using increased dosage of each participant and that the experiment should be performed at the same month.   Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, okra, impaired fasting glucose, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, insulin resistance