Abstract
Abelmoschus esculentus is an economically important medicinal plant grown in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. This paper was aimed to review the biological characteristics and its health benefits against certain diseases. Different parts of Abelmoschus esculentus are used for various purposes. Its immature fruits are consumed as vegetables, used in salads, soups and stews, fresh or dried form. Abelmoschus esculentus mucilage has medicinal applications when used as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander. The mucilage of Abelmoschus esculentus binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the liver. Abelmoschus esculentus seeds are a potential source of oil, with concentrations varying from 20% to 40%, which consists of linoleic acid up to 47.4%. Abelmoschus esculentus is rich source of phenolic and flavonoids. These phytochemicals are responsible for its high antioxidants and antimicrobial activity. Abelmoschus esculentus has vast potential of health beneficial effects on some of the important human diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, digestive diseases and some cancers s. Overall, Abelmoschus esculentus is an important plant with diverse biological properties and potential health benefits. Abelmoschus esculentus possesses high contents of fibers. These fibers help to stabilize blood sugar because their main function is to regulate the rate of sugar absorption from the intestinal tract. The fibers present in A. esculentus play a vital role in minimizing blood sugar level in the body, assisting along with diabetes. These fibers also help to support the level of blood sugar by slowing down the process of sugar absorption through the intestines. Abelmoschus esculentus is also recognized for having high antioxidants activity. Different parts of A. esculentus are rich source of phenolic compounds, largely flavanols derivatives and oligomeric catechins. These phenolic compounds have attained a lot of importance among other antioxidants. So, it is a good supplier to antioxidant status as well as a promising chemo-preventive agent.
Highlights
Abelmoschus esculentus is an important vegetable crop being native to tropical Africa (Jain et al, 2012)
Abelmoschus esculentus plant belongs to the genus hibiscus but later, it was named as Abelmoschus esculentus that can be distinguished from the genus hibiscus [3]
This study investigates that leaves and seeds of A. esculentus possess phytochemicals which might be responsible for possessing antimicrobial activity of leaf and seeds of mature plant [30]
Summary
Abelmoschus esculentus is an important vegetable crop being native to tropical Africa (Jain et al, 2012). It is an important crop that has been grown in tropical and subtropical areas of the world [2]. Abelmoschus esculentus plant belongs to the genus hibiscus but later, it was named as Abelmoschus esculentus that can be distinguished from the genus hibiscus [3]. Abelmoschus esculentus is an important vegetable that is commonly found in various countries of the world [4]. C. Within historic times, important consideration was taken to determine the relation between Ethiopia and the rest of the world. It is not amazing that this plant has been known from the early history and distribution of Abelmoschus esculentus [5]. Abelmoschus esculentus has been recognized by many local names in different areas of the world.
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