A comparative study on the physicochemical, anti-oxidative, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-lipidemic properties of amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta ) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus ) mucilage

Abstract

We investigated the physicochemical and bioactive properties of amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) dry mucilage extracts. Protein (340 mg/g) and phenolic (40 mg/g) contents of amadumbe mucilage were 3 and 1.5 times those of okra mucilage, respectively. Amadumbe mucilage had slightly higher neutral sugar content than okra mucilage. By ¹H NMR fingerprints, rhamnopyranosyl residues were peculiar to okra mucilage. Amadumbe mucilage showed stronger radical scavenging (IC₅₀, 2.55 ± 0.30 vs. 3.01 ± 0.74 mg/mL), α‐glucosidase (IC₅₀, 1.60 ± 0.17 vs. 3.28 ± 0.5 mg/mL) and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀, 1.63 ± 0.15 vs. 2.45 ± 0.24 mg/mL) inhibition and glucose uptake activity, perhaps due to higher phenolic content. Okra mucilage exhibited stronger intestinal glucose absorption inhibition (IC₅₀, 0.54 ± 0.24 vs. 1.82 ± 0.24 mg/mL), possibly due to higher viscosity. Data suggest that amadumbe and okra mucilage may be useful dietary supplements for managing oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, overweight and obesity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study reported some anti‐hyperglycemic and anti‐lipidemic potentials of dry mucilage extracted from amadumbe corm and okra pods as well as the possible modes of actions. This study is of great relevance because it can be a notable reference for further investigation on the potential use of these mucilage extracts as dietary components and/or supplements for managing hyperglycemia, overweight and obesity, thus increasing utilization and consequently improving the economic values of these traditional plants.