Okra Pods Research Articles

Automated Tenderness Assessment of Okra Using Robotic Non-Destructive Sensing

The quality of okra is crucial in satisfying consumer expectations, and the tenderness of okra is an essential parameter in estimating its condition. However, the current methods for assessing okra tenderness are slow and prone to errors, necessitating the development of a better, non-destructive method. The objective of the present study is to develop and test a non-destructive robotic sensor for assessing okra freshness and tenderness. A total of 120 pods were divided into two sets and stored under different conditions: 60 pods were kept in a cold chamber for 24 h (considered tender), while the other 60 pods were stored at room temperature for two days. First, the samples were assessed non-destructively using the force sensor of a collaborative robot, where a jamming pad (with internal granular fill) was capable of adapting and copying the okra shapes while controlling its force deformation. Second, the okra pods were evaluated with the referenced destructive tests, as well as weight loss, compression, and puncture tests. In order to validate the differences in the tenderness of the two sets, a discriminant analysis was carried out to segregate the okra pods into the two categories according to the destructive variables, confirming the procedure which was followed to produce tender and non-tender okra pods. After the differences in the tenderness of the two sets were confirmed, the variables extracted from the robotic sensor (maximum force (Fmax), first slope (S1), second slope (S2), the first overshoot (Os), and the steady state (Ss)) were significant predictors for the separation in the two quality categories. Discriminant analysis and logistic regression methods were applied to classify the pods into the two tenderness categories. Promising results were obtained using neural network classification with 80% accuracy in predicting tenderness from the sensor data, and a 95.5% accuracy rate was achieved in distinguishing between tender and non-tender okra pods in the validation data set. The use of the robotic sensor could be an efficient tool in evaluating the quality of okra. This process may lead to substantial savings and waste reduction, particularly considering the elevated cost and challenges associated with transporting perishable vegetables.

Hydrogen Sulfide Improves Postharvest Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Pods by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Delaying Lignification.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) pod storage is challenging due to its high water content and tendency to lignify. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) served as an H2S donor in this investigation. Compared with the control group, the group treated with 0.5 mmol/L NaHS solution effectively maintained the appearance quality, and its weight loss was only 6.21% at 20 days. The H2S treatment not only preserved tissue nutrients but also significantly enhanced catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while decreasing oxidant damage. In addition, H2S slowed down lignin synthesis by inhibiting the activities of key enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Transcriptome analysis revealed that H2S affects 34 genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, such as AePAL, Ae4CL1, AeCCOAOMT1, AePOD, etc., which inhibit lignin synthesis of okra pods. All in all, moderate H2S can improve postharvest quality and extend the shelf-life of okra pods by enhancing antioxidant capacity and delaying lignification; the results will provide an overview of its application in the preservation of okra pods.

Flow structure of okra mucilage in rotating wall vessel system

The rotating-wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor, a 3D suspension culture system, faces challenges related to non-uniform tissue growth during the incubation of bone and heart tissues. Okra mucilage, an extract from okra pods with non-Newtonian rheological properties, has shown potential as a plasma replacement agent and has no induced cytotoxic effects. In this study, we investigated the flow structure of okra mucilage in rotating wall vessel system. By modifying the RWV and adding okra mucilage, we analyzed the flow structure using a high-speed camera and particle image velocimetry (PIV). Our results showed that okra mucilage creates a concentric circle-shaped rigid-like rotation at all rotation speeds (1-50 rpm). The high viscosity of okra mucilage resulted in a low terminal velocity for microparticles and quick response to rotational movements. These findings suggest that okra mucilage has the potential to enhance the uniformity of tissue growth in RWV systems by stabilizing the flow structure and reducing microparticle sedimentation.

POTENTIAL OF RED OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) ETHANOL EXTRACT TO PROTECT AGAINST 7, 12-DIMETHYLBENZ[A]ANTHRACENE-INDUCED DAMAGE IN RAT’S (Rattus norvegicus) Liver

Highlights: Red okra pods have a potential antioxidant to protect against DMBA-induced damage in a rat’s liver. The liver protection with ROE decreased reversible and irreversible cellular damage from 51.8% to 35%, 27.3%, and 18.9%. Abstract Background: Okra (Abelmonchus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a plant that has potential for humans and health because it contains high antioxidants such as polyphenols. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the red okra pods’ ethanol extract (ROE) antioxidant potential to protect rat (Rattus norvegicus L.) liver against damage by induction of 7, 12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Material and Method: The material used was various doses of red okra pods with ethanol as solvent. Twenty-five female rats (4 weeks, body weight 140—150 g) were divided into five groups: negative control (receiving a single dose of 0.5 mL corn oil as DMBA solvent), positive control (receiving a single dose induction of DMBA 80 mg/kg BW dissolved in 0.5 mL corn oil), and treatment groups 1, 2, 3 (receiving a single dose of DMBA 80 mg/kg BW dissolved in 0.5 mL corn oil and ROE of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW, respectively, daily for 35 days). On day 36, the livers were removed and prepared for histopathological observation using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The method of histopathological score was determined using an ordinal score. Result: The data were analyzed statistically (p>0.05). All ROE doses showed a significant decrease in the histopathological score of rats’ liver damage caused by DMBA-induced. The liver protection with ROE reduced the percentages of reversible and irreversible cellular damage from 51.8% to 35%, 27.3%, and 18.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The red okra pod ethanol extract can protect against DMBA-induced liver damage in rats.

Natural okra gum as functional binder enables highly stable Lithium–Selenium batteries

Lithium–selenium (Li–Se) batteries are garnered significant attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity, high volumetric energy density and moderate output voltage. Nevertheless, Li–Se batteries are still restricted by severe volume expansion and “shuttle effect” of polyselenides, resulting in deteriorated electrochemical performance. Binders are a crucial component of Li–Se batteries, playing a key role in addressing the mentioned issues. Herein, a non-toxic, bio-friendly, hydro-soluble binder of okra gum (OG) extracted from okra pods is proposed to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of Li–Se batteries. The as-prepared OG binders are rich in branched-chain polysaccharides (glucoside) and polar functional groups (–C–O–C–, –COOH), which not only have a good interpenetrating binding network to ensure the mechanical stability of Se cathode, but also have excellent interfacial chemical binding force for immobilizing polyselenides. Consequently, the OG binder endows Li–Se batteries with high initial discharge capacity (607 mA h g−1 at 0.2C), good cycling stability (218 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2C), and remarkable rate performance (364 mA h g−1 at 1C), all of which are superior to Li–Se batteries with PVDF binder. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of natural mucilage as functional binder for Li–Se batteries and paves a research path in developing natural plant-based binders to stabilize electrode materials for reliable high-energy batteries.

Molecular docking and in vivo protective effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) against metabolic dysfunction in high-fat, high-sodium diet-fed rats.

Okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) have been used as a functional vegetable as they contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other bioactive molecules that protect the body from several chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to look at the involvement of okra constituents (mucilage and flesh) in the prevention of metabolic dysfunctions induced in a rat model by a high-fat, high-salt (HF/NaCl) diet. Okra mucilage was extracted using an ultrasonic method, freeze-dried, characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tested for swelling ratio and radical scavenging activity. Okra flesh (skin and seeds) was separated from pods; characterized using SEM; and tested for dietary fiber content, phenolic profile, and radical scavenging activity. The significance of okra bioactive compounds in inhibiting human salivary amylase, glutamine : fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was investigated using molecular docking. Rats were fed an HF/NaCl diet and orally treated daily with freeze-dried okra mucilage or flesh (100 mg per kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Glucose, insulin, inflammatory indicators (CRP, TNF-α, and interleukin 6), oxidative markers (red blood cell lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase), lipid profile, estradiol, feces lipids as well as femur and urine calcium were measured. The molecular docking findings showed the interaction of quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are the most abundant phenolic compounds in okra pods, with the studied proteins, which gives an indication of the mechanism of okra's anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Okra mucilage and flesh significantly reduced glucose, insulin, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and urine calcium levels while significantly increasing feces lipid and femur calcium levels. The findings suggested that okra mucilage and flesh seem to be promising candidates for protection against metabolic dysfunction.

Shelf Life Improvement of Okra: A Review

Okra is a vegetable crop belonging to family Malvaceae. Its botanical name is Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.), the plant originated from West Africa. Food content of okra pods include minerals salts, vitamins and proteins and roughages. Okra is a highly perishable commodity, after harvest of Okra, a great loss occurs because since the fruit undergoes continued respiration. Many post-harvest practices such as use of calcium chloride, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), heat treatment, cold storage, use of plant extract, have been used to extend the shelf life okra and the use of plant extract is regarded as the cheapest, most practicable method but the extraction of compounds should be safe and eco-friendly.

Theoretical and experimental analysis of the drying kinetics of okra using infrared dryer

AbstractIn this research, the thin‐layer drying characteristics and quality parameters of okra pods were investigated by subjecting it to drying using an infrared drier. The drying process was achieved at three different radiation intensities of 0.167, 0.235, and 0.520 W/cm2 and included three air velocities of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 m/s. A detailed analysis of their drying kinetics (drying curve, drying rate curve, effective moisture diffusivity, and mathematical modeling), shrinkage and rehydration, and total color change were performed. Results showed the drying process occurred in the falling‐rate period. The drying time was reduced with rising infrared intensity and declining air velocity. The Midilli et al. model provided the best fitting for each drying curve (coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.99, reduced chi‐square (χ2), and root mean square error [RMSE] closer to zero). The effective moisture diffusivity values among various drying conditions ranged from 2.89 to 12.23 × 10−10 m2/s, which were within the normally predictable range for food materials. The rehydration ratio increased as air velocity increased and decreased as infrared radiation intensity increased. The phenomenon of shrinkage ratio had a positive relationship with higher levels of infrared radiation and a negative association with faster airflow. As the air velocity and radiation intensity rose, there was an observed increase in the overall color difference between fresh and dried okra. The current study's results will provide additional insights into the optimal drying conditions for preparing okra as a snack, breakfast item, or other culinary applications.Practical applicationsOkra is important commodity in terms of global agricultural production. As okra is a perishable product with a short shelf life, the food industry has been forced to find methods, such as drying, that extend its storage life by months. The conventional system of hot air dying displays many disadvantages. Infrared drying intended a substitute way to improve the quality of dehydrated products. However, infrared is rarely expended alone as a drying method and is frequently combined with other drying systems. The main goal of this work is to study an innovative process to extend the storage life of okra reducing energy and time consumption and ensuring sample quality.

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] improved blood glucose and restored histopathological alterations in splenic tissues in a rat model with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes through CD8+ T cells and NF-kβ expression.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic syndrome that involves dysfunction of spleen and other lymphoid organs. Medicinal plants, including okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), were used widely for diabetes treatment. Scarce data are available about the potential anti-diabetic effects of okra, the histopathological alterations in splenic tissues and the mechanistic pathways underlying this association. The current research investigated the effects of okra pod extract on the biochemical parameters and expression of CD8+ T cells and nuclear factor kappa (NF-k) B and releasing proinflammatory cytokines in spleen in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models. A total of 50 mature male Wister albino rats were divided into five isolated groups; the first served as control (untreated) animals, the second (DM group) diabetes induced by STZ (at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight, administered intraperitoneally), the third group (DM + Insulin): diabetic rats administered insulin subcutaneously (10 units/kg bw/day) daily for 4 weeks, the fourth group was administrated 400 mg/kg okra extract daily for 4 weeks, and diabetic induced rats in the fifth group were administrated 400 mg/kg okra extract daily for 4 weeks. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench was studied, and the content of phenolic compounds in okra pods was estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Diabetes induction led to decreased body weight, increased blood glucose levels. Capsular thickness was significantly increased, white pulp was widely dispersed, and mature lymphocytes in the periphery were also drastically decreased, with thick follicular arteries, necrosis, and depletion of lymphocytes in the germinal center. Red pulp revealed severe congestion and degenerative changes, deposition of hemosiderin granules and lymphocytic depletion. In addition, collagen fiber deposition was increased also in this group. The induction of diabetes exaggerated NF-kβ expression and mediated downregulation of the expression of CD8+ T cells in spleen tissue. Interestingly, oral administration of okra extracts post diabetes induction could mitigate and reverse such adverse effects. Altogether, our study points out the potential benefits of okra in improving blood glucose levels and restoring histopathological alterations in splenic tissues through CD8+ T cells and NF-kβ expression in a diabetic rat model.

Verifying the Optimal Extraction Method and Content of Red Okra Extracts and Crude Pectin Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Recently, many studies have reported the properties and functionality of okra pectin. However, these studies are about green okra pods, and pectin in red okra pods, stems, and roots has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the red okra extraction method using response surface methodology (RSM) analysis and evaluate the effects of extraction time, temperature, solvent ratio, and pH on the extract yield and crude pectin content. Based on RSM analysis, 4.35 h, 98.04 °C, 23.34 solvent ratio, and pH 3.36 are the optimal parameters for extracting crude pectin from red okra, and the crude pectin content was predicted to be 40.83%. When red okra was extracted under these extraction conditions (4 h, 100 °C, 23 solvent ratio, and pH 3), the extraction yield was 45.26%, and the crude pectin content was 38.42%, which was similar to the yield obtained under the conditions derived from the RSM analysis. In addition, the pH control using hydrochloric acid was replaced with citric acid, and the changes in extract yield and crude pectin content were compared. When citric acid was used, the extract yield was 49.15% (8.6% increase), and the crude pectin content was 42.76 ± 2.56% (11.3% increase); compared to when hydrochloric acid was used, the yield increased. Finally, the standardization of red okra raw materials was determined by analyzing the extraction yield and crude pectin content by part, harvest time, and size of red okra using the established extraction method using citric acid. As a result, it was confirmed that the extraction yield obtained from the established extraction method was reached from the extraction of red okra fruits up to 12 cm in size that were harvested between July and November. Additionally, compared to the non-pectin fraction, the crude pectin fraction isolated from red okra pod extract showed significantly higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). These findings, reported for the first time, may contribute to the development of processes to purify red okra pectin, functional evaluation studies of pectin, and potential applications of red okra extract in various industries and research.

Effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma pretreatment on the drying kinetics, physicochemical properties and selected bioactive compounds of okra pods subjected to hot air impingement drying

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma pretreatment (CP) on the drying kinetics, physicochemical properties, content of chlorophylls (alpha and beta), lycopene, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of hot air impingement dried (HAID) okra pods. CP treatment significantly increased moisture diffusivity from 3.04 x 10−9 to 5.07 x 10−9 m2/s and decreased the HAID time by 38%, i.e., from 235 to 145 min. CP resulted in a reduction of alpha chlorophyll and lycopene contents, whereas the combination of CP and HAID allowed both chlorophylls to be preserved. The HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that CP-treated samples showed lower content of phenolic compounds, while combination of CP for 15 s and HAID provided excellent preservation of these compounds. The results show that the combination of the advanced CP treatment and HAID method was useful to obtain optimal results for both drying kinetics and the quality of okra pods.

Evacuated tube collector based solar drying of pre-treated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): Analysis of thermal performance, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and functional properties

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a good source of micronutrients and a highly perishable vegetable crop. The okra pods were dried in an evacuated tube collector-based novel solar drying system, i.e. an evacuated tube solar dryer with heat pipe (ETSD_HP), and evacuated tube solar dryer without heat pipe (ETSD_WHP) and sun drying. The okra was pre-treated at different temperatures prior to drying, and the thermal profiling, moisture diffusivity, and retention of quality attributes were investigated and compared. The highest moisture diffusivity was found in the sample pre-treated at 80 °C and dried in ETSD_HP. The results show that Total Phenolic Content (TPC), 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) content increased across all drying techniques, while the Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) content were decreased. The bioactive compounds, namely TPC and TFC retention, were maximum for okra dried in ETSD_HP. The maximum retention of chlorophyll content (76.70 to 93.20%), vitamin C (73.84 to 93.73%), and minimum color changes (7.70 to 13.48) were observed for the all the sample dried in ETSD_WHP. The pre-treatment temperature of 80 °C was found to be appropriate for the maximum retention of quality attributes of okra. FTIR analysis identified functional groups of active compounds in dried okra for all the drying methods. Therefore, both the ETSD_HP and ETSD_WHP techniques areappropriate to retain the bioactive compounds and functional properties of okra as compared to Sun drying. ETSD_HP is recommended for increased moisture diffusion with maximum retention of bioactive compounds.

Nutritional Studies on Okra Pods and Leaves Extract as Antiagents to toxified Rats Induced by Potassium Dichromate

Nutritional Studies on Okra Pods and Leaves Extract as Antiagents to toxified Rats Induced by Potassium Dichromate

The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus pods ethanol extract on mice (Mus musculus) preantral follicle, antral follicle, and corpus luteum numbers exposed to carbon black

Introduction: This study aims to determine the preventive effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods ethanol extract on the mice (Mus musculus) preantral follicle, antral follicle, and corpus luteum numbers exposed to carbon black. Material and Methods: This study used 25 mice which were divided into 5 groups. The negative control group (C-) and the positive control group (C+) were given Na-CMC 0.5% solution orally, while the treatments groups T1, T2, and T3 were pretreated with okra pods ethanol extract orally with a dose of 4 mg/20gBW, 8mg/20gBW and 16 mg/20gBW. Later the C+, T1, T2, and T3 were exposed to 1064 mg/m3 carbon black for 6 hours/day for 30 days. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between control group C- (18.20c±2.28; 11.20d±0.83), C+ (8.60a±1.14; 5.00a±1.00), treatment group T1 (12.60b±2.70; 8.00b±1.22), T2 (15.20bc±4.76; 8.80bc±2.04) and T3 (17.80c±2.77; 9.80cd±0.83) (p<0.05) in ovarian preantral and antral follicle numbers, while there was not shown any significant difference between the corpus luteum numbers (p>0.05) in all treatment groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) ethanol extract can maintain the preantral and antral follicle numbers in mice exposed to carbon black.

XANTHAN GUM/CARRAGEENAN-BASED HYDROGEL PADS WITH OKRA FRUIT MUCILAGE POWDER FOR COSMECEUTICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

The main component of mucilage found in the fruit of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is okra gum consisting of pectic polysaccharides reported to exhibit, inter alia, antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics. It was used in the pharmaceutical industry, e.g. as a stabilizer or a modifier drug release. In this work, various formulations of xanthan gum (XG)/κ-carrageenan (CN)-based hydrogel with okra mucilage (OM) powder were examined to achieve the goal of developing OM-hydrogel pads that make good use of the advantages of OM polysaccharides relevant to drug delivery and/or stability. A straightforward cosmeceutical application of the OM-hydrogels is as under-eye masks since the OM itself is reported to contain diffusible small compounds with proven skincare benefits. OM from blended fresh okra pods without seeds was precipitated with ethanol. Preliminary studies showed that hydrogel pads prepared with XG, CN, glycerol, and NaCl at 0.5, 0.5, 13, and 4 wt%, respectively, possess a suitable hardness while exhibit the highest adhesive strength among other formulations tested. When OM powder was added at 0.02, 0.05, 0.06, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 wt%, the OM-hydrogels’ hardnesses substantially drop. Increases in hardnesses and adhesive strengths with increasing amounts of OM powder were observed. The upward trend of adhesive strengths continues only up to 0.2 wt% where the adhesive strength begins to drop. In OM-hydrogels containing 0.2 wt% OM powder, normalized rates of moisture loss are the lowest while water contents and water holding capacities are the highest.

Postharvest rot and efficacy of different plant leaves on the preservation of Okra

This study assessed the preservative efficacy of some plant species in order to enhance the shelf of Okra pods. Okra is a multiuse crop appreciated for its tender and delicious pods subjected to rapid deterioration due to its high moisture contents. Freshly harvest ‘Star of David Okra’ variety were wrapped in Colocasia esculenta (Cocoyam), Musa sapientum (Plantain), Carica papaya (Pawpaw), Persea americana (Avocado) and Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) leaves respectively for comparism against storage rot for a period of 28 days. At seven (7) days intervals, soft, rotten and wilted Okra pods were pick out, counted, and the leaves replaced with fresh ones. The Okra pods were visually observed and the results obtained from the observation showed that C. esculenta had 58%, M. sapientum 42%, P. americana 34%, V. amygdalina 22%, C. papaya 20%, Control 14% survival rate by the end of the 28 days treatment. Some organisms accountable for Okra pod deterioration were isolated and finally identified as: Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus niger and Mucor irregularis organisms. As time duration stretches and due to lack of good refrigeration facility, food spoilage is eminent nevertheless these findings showed that Colocasia esculenta leaves enhanced the shelf life of Okra pods and reduced storage rot creating an alternative storage method that can be used when there is power outage.

Understanding the traditional values and use of okra among pregnant women in western Ethiopia: a qualitative study

ObjectivesThis study explored the traditional values and use of okra among pregnant women, how okra plants are obtained, prepared and used by pregnant women, and the associated beliefs and meanings...

Optimization of near-infrared reflectance models in determining flavonoid composition of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pods

Okra pods have been utilized as a functional food due to their rich active ingredient composition, especially the high content of flavonoid compounds. This study conducted near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) modeling optimization and external validation based on the flavonoid components of 219 pod samples. Spectral correlation analyses identified two types of spectral response patterns classified as quercetin-3-O-xylose (1–2) glucoside (QOXG) and total flavonoid content (TFC), consisting of six different spectral regions. Different modeling effects were observed for QOXG and TFC with various spectral region combination analyses, where the lower wave-number region contributed more to both flavonoids calibration models. The combination of standard normal variate / “1, 9, 3” / partial least squares was found to be the most effective for developing calibration models for both flavonoids. The resulting models had small root mean square errors of prediction for external validation and high determination coefficients, indicating their usefulness for rapid prediction of flavonoid composition in okra pods.

Anti-diabetic potential of water-soluble polysaccharide from okra pods mucilage diabetes

Plant derived mucilage, due its role in promoting human health, has been extensively used as active constituent for the preparation of different pharmaceuticals, functional and nutraceutical products. Mucilage mainly consists of complex carbohydrates with extremely branched structure. Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench), belongs to family Malvaceae, is an annual herb commonly known as okra. The purpose of this study was the identification of bioactive polysaccharides present in the mucilage of okra pods and evaluation of their biological activities. Mucilage was extracted by soaking okra pods in water. The dried mucilage was fractionated in 75% ethanol, which resulted in soluble and insoluble fractions. Each fraction was screened which confirmed the presence of galacturonic acid, saturated and unsaturated polysaccharides. Crude, soluble and insoluble fractions were processed for investigating their biological activities. The results indicated that insoluble fraction was able to inhibit the growth of five human pathogenic bacterial strains i.e. Staphylococcus aureus (1.9 mm ± 0.27mm), Escherichia coli (2.8mm ± 0.44mm) and Shigella (2.9mm ± 0.85mm). However, no significant inhibition was observed against Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella typhi. Antioxidant capacity was determined through DPPH assay where the soluble fraction showed IC50 value 785.5 μg/mL while the insoluble fraction showed IC50 value 987.21 μg/mL.

Preparation and film properties of carboxymethyl cellulose from leafstalk waste of Okra: Comparative study of conventional and deep eutectic solvent pulping methods

This study valorized okra plant leafstalk (OKS), a lignocellulosic waste that accumulates on farm fields after harvesting its edible okra pods. In this context, acidic-/alkaline-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) pulping methods were compared with the conventional pulping method (NA-C) as a simple and greener isolation process of cellulose from OKS lignocellulose. Subsequently, as an initial attempt, CMCs were synthesized from celluloses obtained from OKS, and their film-forming properties were evaluated. The results showed that one-pot DES pulping expedited the isolation process by simultaneously degrading lignin, hemicelluloses, and other impurities in OKS, retaining cellulose as an unsolubilized residue. Regardless of the pulping methods, isolated celluloses exhibited a typical structure and crystalline pattern of cellulose-I. Moreover, DES-pulped celluloses had similar crystallinity and higher recovery (∼50%) than NA-C. The derived-CMCs exhibited variations in physicochemical properties, such as degree of substitution (0.62–0.76) and molecular weights (30.41–60.52 × 103 g/mol) according to cellulose pulping methods, which impacted unique film properties. Films prepared using CMC synthesized from alkaline DES-pulped cellulose exhibited superior water barrier and mechanical properties essential for films intended for food packaging purposes. Overall, this study successfully valorized OKS into a value-added polymer and suggested a new strategy for isolating cellulose from lignocellulosic wastes.