Okra Pods Research Articles

Phytochemical compounds, antiradical capacity, and in vitro inhibitory effect against fish pathogenic bacteria ofokra fruits (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) at different maturity stages.

Abelmoschus esculentus L., okra, has been known as a healthy plant and classically employed in food and folk medicine for several human and animal diseases. The in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, in addition to the phytochemical compounds of the okra fruit extracts gathered at three maturity stages, were the objectives of this study. This study examined the modifications in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant and antibacterial capacities of three okra fruit hydroalcoholic extracts during three comestible maturity stages. The different maturity stages of okra pods were demonstrated as early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage maturation. The mid-stage of okra fruit maturity had the highest TPC (43.27 ± 2.029 mg GAE g-1), TFC (29.96 ± 0.19 mg RE g-1), and antioxidant capacity (75.64% ± 0.79%). Moreover, at mid-stage maturity, okra fruit extracts exhibited a major antibacterial effect against Vibrio anguillarum. The phenolic content was significantly increased at the mid-stage maturity, while the flavonoid level and the antioxidant activity were greatly decreased at the end of fruit maturity. The results confirmed that A. esculentus L. fruits at mid-stage maturity are an excellent source of biomolecules with high antiradical and bactericidal activities, which could be used as functional foods and as an option for chemical compounds for fish farming to prevent and treat numerous marine animal diseases.

A pectic polysaccharide from fresh okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) beneficially ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice by antioxidation, inhibition of inflammation and modulation of gut microbiota.

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench], as a well-known medicinal and food plant, has important physiological activities and health benefits, and polysaccharide is its main bioactive component. In this study, a pectic polysaccharide (OPS-50) prepared from fresh okra pods by three-phase partitioning and gradient (NH4)2SO4 precipitation at a saturation of 50% was employed in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused acute liver damage in mice to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential. Results indicated that OPS-50 was mainly composed of a limited linear homogalacturonan backbone and abundant rhamnogalacturonan-I domains as side chains. OPS-50 exerted positively protective effects on acute liver damage induced by CCl4 in mice through relieving weight reduction and organ damage, ameliorating liver function and dyslipidemia, alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating gut microbiota, and promoting short-chain fatty acid secretion. Moreover, liver histopathology demonstrated the protective benefit of OPS-50 on CCl4-caused acute liver damage in mice. Therefore, our data suggested that the pectic OPS-50, as a dietary supplement, have great potential in preventing and treating chemical liver damages.

Interpreting Morphology and Yield Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to Weed Variables Using Regression Analysis

The cohabitation of weeds with crops may not always pose problems. Weeds are plant pests that negatively impact crop yield. However, it is essential to determine when pest status is reached in crops for weed management decisions in crop production. Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018 at the research farm of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Ibadan (7o38' N 3o 84' E), located in the rainforest-savanna transition agroecology of southwestern Nigeria. The experiments consisted of nine weed management practices and a weedy check arranged in Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Weed density and weight, along with okra's morphological attributes such as the number of leaves, leaf area, plant height and stem girth, were recorded 9 weeks after sowing (WAS). At commercial maturity, unlignified okra pods were harvested from 9-12 WAS. Simple linear correlation and regression analysis between weed parameters and okra traits was performed. The result showed a negative relationship between weed growth and okra yield in both trials. The negative impact of weeds on some morphological traits of okra probably led to the reduction in okra yield. However, plant height and number of nodes did not significantly (P < 0.05) influence okra yield. Weeds attained pest status for okra at a weed density of about 14.17 plants/m2 with weed dry and fresh weights of 10.05 g/m2 and 54.86 g/m2 , respectively. Hence, weed management is necessary for okra production to reduce yield loss.

A novel pectic polysaccharide-based hydrogel derived from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) for chronic diabetic wound healing

Hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides represent a growing group of suitable biomaterials for the elaboration of effective wound healing dressings, especially for the treatment of chronic wounds. This work was intended to prepare a polysaccharide-based hydrogel for diabetic wound healing which would help maintain the well-being of diabetes and improve their quality of life. For this purpose, a pectic polysaccharide (OPS) was extracted and purified, for the first time, from Tunisian okra pods and its physicochemical and rheological features, antioxidant and in vivo and in vitro wound healing activities were investigated. OPS, an acidic polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 3.28 × 106 Da and a polydispersity index of 1.03, was mainly composed of galactose (24.45 %), galacturonic acid (24.6 %) and rhamnose (18.25 %). Combined with FT-IR and NMR analyses, it consisted of a pectic rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) structure with galactan side chains. The OPS demonstrated antioxidant potential, gelling ability, cytocompatibility properties, non-cytotoxicity and cell migration and proliferation promoting activities, which met the requirements for wound dressings. Then, the in vivocutaneous wound healing effect of OPS-based hydrogel was investigated using an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model, and results showed that it significantly accelerated the wound healing process by acting in the acceleration of the recovery of the dermis and inducing moreblood vessels formationand tissue granulation.Overall, these results provide new insights into the development of a promising and effective okra pectin-based hydrogel for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

Bio-Stimulants Extend Shelf Life and Maintain Quality of Okra Pods

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a tropical annual crop, is a highly perishable vegetable. Okra pods deteriorate rapidly after harvesting. The pods undergo physical and physiological changes that diminish storability and quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bio-stimulants on the storability and quality of okra pods stored at 4 °C and 25 °C for 12 days. Dipping okra pods for 5 min in a solution of 0.5% ascorbic acid, citric acid, or salicylic acid pre-storage significantly extended the shelf life and preserved the quality of the pods compared to the control condition at 4 °C and 25 °C. Citric acid and ascorbic acid were the most effective in preserving most traits. Citric acid reduced the loss in weight, firmness, appearance, and prevented decay at 4 °C and 25 °C. Ascorbic acid decreased the loss of moisture and the degradation of carbohydrates, vitamin C and lycopene at 4 °C and 25 °C. Salicylic acid decreased the degradation of protein at 25 °C. The low temperature was highly effective in decreasing the loss or degradation of most of the studied traits. Taken together, bio-stimulants and storing at 4 °C played a prominent role in extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of okra pods.

Modification of the cell wall polysaccharides and phytochemicals of okra pods by cold plasma treatment

The effect of different processing times of cold plasma (CP) treatment on the cell wall polysaccharides and phytochemical properties of okra pods was investigated. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra of water-soluble pectin (WSP), chelator-soluble pectin (CSP), and diluted alkali-soluble pectin (DASP) fractions isolated from okra pods subjected to different CP treatment times were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and the results highlighted significant differences among different pectin fractions. The CP treatment caused a decrease in the contents of lycopene and chlorophyll alpha. However, the CP treatment with 30 s (CP30) resulted in a slight increase (4%) in the content of chlorophyll beta and led to the smallest color change of okra pods. The CP5, CP15, and CP30 slightly decreased the total phenolics (TP) content of okra pods by 5, 13, and 20%, respectively. The total flavonoids (TF) content of okra pods was not significantly affected by the CP. The short CP treatment, i.e. CP5, was found to be beneficial to the antioxidant potential of okra pods determined by the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. The antioxidant potentials of CP-treated okra pods determined by the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays were positively correlated with TP contents (r = 0.53, r = 0.97, and r = 0.82, respectively) and TF contents (r = 0.92, r = 0.76, and r = 0.87, respectively). The results of this study provide a deep understanding and insight into non-thermal CP treatment and its influence on the properties of agro-food products and are useful for designing and optimizing non-thermal unit operations.

Response of Growth and Production of Red and Green Okra Plants to Effect of Organic Fertilization

The effect of nitrogen on growth, and development of plants, metabolism, dry matter production has been well investigated. Extensive research has been conducted on organic fertilizers especially, i.e. the compost. This study investigated the effect of compost on okra pods yield, nitrogen agronomic use efficiency, supplied of nitrogen recovery efficiency and supplied nitrogen physiological efficiency in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). A completely randomized experimental design of 2x4 factorial patterns with three replications was used in this study. Factor (I) was the okra species (Green okra - Red okra) and factor (II) was the doses of compost (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha−1). Kind of okra has different effects on the parameters observed. Results showed that green okra and red okra showed increased yield due to the increase in the nitrogen dose through compost. Agronomic use efficiency of green okra and red okra increased with increasing doses of compost. The nitrogen recovery efficiency of green okra and red okra also, increased with increasing doses of compost. Nitrogen physiological efficiency of green okra and red okra increased with increasing compost doses. An increase in compost doses resulted in increased nitrogen uptake, pods yield, Agronomic efficiency, nitrogen recovery efficiency and nitrogen physiological efficiency of both green and red okra. Increased compost doses resulted in decreased nitrogen use efficiency in green okra. Green okra is more efficient in using organic nitrogen from compost.

EFFECT OF COMPOSTED POULTRY MANURE AND BIOCHAR ON BIOACCUMULATION OF LEAD/ZINC IN OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS. L.) IN AMAGU MINING SOILS

Remediation of contaminated soils with organic amendments to attenuate the side effect of Heavy metals has been scarcely investigated on okra pods. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of composted poultry manure and biochar on heavy metals (lead and Zinc) bioaccumulation in Okra plant and the effect of artisanal mineral mining activities on the environment using ecological risk indices in Amagu, Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria. Soil samples for this study were collected at farmlands beside mining areas. The treatment consisted of four sources of biochar (control, empty oil palm bunch, maize cob, wood shavings) and two rates of poultry manure (0, 10 t/ha), replicated three times. The study was a 4 × 2 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Biochar from three feed stocks were pyrolysed at 320.0 0C, while poultry manure from battery cage system were composted for 90 days before application. Ecological risk assessment using indices were applied on data collected. After harvest, lead and zinc still exceeded the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) permissible limit of 100 mg/kg in Agricultural soils. Composted poultry manure (CPM) showed significant (P≤0.05) reduction by 14 % in the amount of Pb in the soil after harvesting of okra. Significant increases were recorded in the level of lead and zinc in the fruit by 50 and 28 % respectively. The ERF values for lead were rated as posing a very high ecological risk within the environment; while zinc was rated as having a low ecological risk. Also the geo accumulation index (Igeo) of the study showed that the soils are extremely contaminated. In conclusion, the application of EMCB and EOPBB in combination with CPM demonstrated the capacity to reduce bioaccumulation of lead and zinc in okra plant

Optimization of Crop Harvesting and Processing Machines, Through Modification of the Soil Biochemical Properties

This work investigated the impact of soil biochemical properties on the mechanical properties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) kernels, which are necessary for the design of production and optimization of harvesting and handling and processing operations equipment. Okra and groundnut were cultivated under seven soil treatment programs, which are: T1, the control; T2 treatment with composted manure at the of 2500 kg/ha; T3, treatment with composted manure at the rate of 3500 kg/ha; T4, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha; T5, treatment with fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg/ha; T6, treatment with the combination of 1500 kg/ha of compost manure + 50 kg/ha of fertilizer; and T7, treatment with the combination of 2000 kg/ha of compost manure + 100 kg/ha of fertilizer. At peak maturity stage, the okra pods and groundnut kernels were harvested and subjected compression test, using a universal testing machine, at a speed of 10 mm/min. Findings of the study revealed that okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with compost manure (T2 and T3) both had higher failure force, failure energy, failure strain, rupture energy and rupture force, than the okra pods and groundnut kernels produced with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (T4 and T5); but a combination of the compost manure and fertilizer (T6 and T7) gave better results than the individual treatments. The groundnut kernels’ failure force ranged between 67.5 N and 131.58 N; while the okra pods’ failure force ranged between 62.77 N and 112.88 N. The results further revealed that the okra pods’ failure energy varied from 0.172 Nm to 0.324 Nm; while the groundnut kernels’ failure energy ranged from 0.044 Nm to 0.084 Nm. Similarly, the failure strain of the groundnut kernels ranged between 30.1% and 37.8%; while the failure strain of the okra pods ranged between 20.1% and 31.3%. Additionally, the groundnut kernels’ rupture force ranged between 62.89 N and 126.21 N; while the okra pod’s rupture force ranged between 59.44 N and 108.22 N. The results of this research can be used to optimize the operation of harvesting, transportation and manufacturing of processing machines; thus increasing food production.

Identification and Quantification of Flavonoids in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro of Four Main Components Identified.

Okra is a kind of flavonoid-rich food which was reported to have a variety of health functions. Flavonoids are the major polyphenolic compounds in okra and are thought to play a role in reducing the risk of disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the flavonoids composition in okra pods and explore the activity of the main flavonoids components identified on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Six individual flavonoids were identified by HPLC-MS/MS: quercetin-3-gentiobioside (Q3G), quercetin-3-sambubioside (Q3S), rutin, quercetin-7-glucoside (Q7G), isoquercitrin (ISO) and quercetin-3-malonylglucoside (Q3M), which were all separated well within 30 min. The analytical method was validated by the recovery of spiked samples and so on. Moreover, four main flavonoids components, namely Q3G, Q3S, ISO and Q3M, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of NCI-N87, A375, A549 cells proliferation (25−100 μmol/L) and of HFLS-RA (200−300 μmol/L) in different levels, according to MTT method, respectively. It is demonstrated that the flavonoids components of okra exhibited a noteworthy development prospect as a possible nutraceutical dietary supplement.

The pre-shearing effect on the rheological properties of okra mucilage

We investigated the effect of pre-shearing on the rheological properties of mucilage extracted from okra pods. Okra mucilage was extracted by using a cold water extraction protocol. The rheological properties were surveyed utilizing steady shear, oscillatory, time-dependent ramp measurements. Our findings reveal that the pre-shearing effect induced a drop in the viscosity of okra mucilage at high shear rates ranging between 100s−1 and 1,000s−1. In addition, the pre-shearing effect could partially reduce the elastic modulus of okra mucilage. In contrast, the viscous modulus part was found to be increased at the same time. Consequently, pre-shearing may affect the viscoelastic elements of okra mucilage, due to irreversible changes induced in the macro-structures of the okra mucilage. When the shearing deformation rate reached a limit, the large-sized hydrocolloid random coil group degraded into smaller crops. Therefore, addition of shear force could change the interior elastic energy consumption of the okra mucilage. Our findings may influence the preparation strategies of the okra polysaccharide process.

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Pod Extract Revealed Antagonistic Effect against the Synergistic Antidiabetic Activity of Metformin and Acarbose upon Concomitant Administration in Glucose-Induced Hyperglycemic Mice

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra, is one of the most widely used vegetable crops currently used for diabetes treatment as well. It is thought that the large amount of soluble dietary fibers present in okra is responsible for the slowing of the absorption of glucose from the gut. However, its role in concomitant administration with commonly prescribed medications, including metformin (MET) and acarbose (ACR) for diabetes, is unclear. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of A. esculentus pod extract (AEE) administered concomitantly with MET and ACR in the glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice model. The AEE was prepared using green okra pods. In this experiment, each male Swiss Webster mouse was administered a 2.5 gm/kg/BW dose of glucose via gastric lavage to induce hyperglycemia. The experimental animals were divided into five groups: (i) negative control, (ii) positive control, (iii) MET only, (iv) MET and ACR, and (v) MET, ACR, and AEE. The orally administered doses of the MET, ACR, and the extract were 150 mg/kg/BW, 15 mg/kg/BW, and 0.2 mL/kg/BW, respectively. We found that MET only and a combination of MET and ACR reduced glucose levels significantly (p &lt; 0.01) compared to the positive control. On the other hand, when MET, ACR, and AEE were administered simultaneously, the synergistic antihyperglycemic action of the MET and ACR was diminished. After 150 min, the blood glucose level was 4.50 ± 0.189 mmol/L (iv) and 6.58 ± 0.172 mmol/L (v). This study suggests that taking AEE concurrently with MET and ACR would reduce the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs; thereby, concomitant administration of these antidiabetic agents is not recommended. This study provides an essential basis for decision-making about the consumption of AEE with conventional medicine. Further study is required to find the molecular insight of drug interactions in combination therapy of medicinal plants for diabetes.

The effect of high humidity hot air impingement blanching on the changes in cell wall polysaccharides and phytochemicals of okra pods.

Okra pods contain heat-sensitive substances, such as phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals that can be degraded when okra pods are subjected to heat treatment. The understanding of the impact of high humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) on the changes in physicochemical properties of polysaccharides and phytochemicals of okra pods is of great importance because over-blanching may result in cell membrane disruption and changes in biologically active compounds under prolonged exposure to the thermal treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of HHAIB on the changes in physicochemical properties of pectins and phytochemicals extracted from okra pods. Both the HHAIB time and method of extraction influenced their physicochemical characteristics and biological activity. Pectin fractions subjected to HHAIB were composed of polygalacturonic acid, rhamnogalacturonan, glucomannan, galactan, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, calcium pectate and arabinogalactan. The contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of extracts mostly increased during HHAIB (i.e. up to 19.0%, 13.2% and 35.3%, respectively). However, HHAIB reduced the chlorophyll-a (up to 55.7%) and lycopene (up to 52.6%) contents of okra pods. The acquired knowledge may be useful for better understanding and optimization of technologies based on HHAIB treatment. The HHAIB treated okra can be a promising natural alternative in different applications, including its use as a replacement of some ingredients in food or non-food systems as a result of richness in polysaccharides and polyphenols, as well as high antioxidant properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anti-cancer activity of an ethanolic extract of red okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in rats induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

Background and Aim:Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women. The consumption of phytochemical components from plants may play an essential role in preventing and treating this cancer. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of an ethanolic extract of red okra pods (EEROP) in rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by N-methyl- N-nitrosourea (MNU).Materials and Methods:The experimental animals were divided into six groups (n=5/group), namely, KN (normal control, without any treatment), K− (negative control, exposed to MNU without EEROP), K+ (positive control, exposed to MNU and Methotrexate), and the treatment Groups P1, P2, and P3 (exposed to MNU and EEROP at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight [BW], respectively). Intraperitoneal delivery of MNU and EEROP oral administration was carried out for 8 weeks. After the end of treatment, the parameters of cytokines, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and mammary gland histology were measured.Results:The results showed that EEROP at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg BW significantly downregulated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, IL-10, and tumor growth factor-β (p<0.05). In addition, doses of 200 mg/kg BW significantly increased the activity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, prevented the proliferation of mammary gland epithelial cells, and yielded a significantly thinner epithelium of the mammary gland (p<0.05).Conclusion:It can be concluded that EEROP was an effective anti-cancer agent by modulating the immune response. Further studies using a nanoparticle system are warranted to achieve optimal working conditions for these bioactive compounds.

Effect of foliar application of potassium with aquaculture wastewater on the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in recirculating aquaponic system

A 90-day experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar potassium application with aquaculture wastewater on the growth performance of okra and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in a media-based recirculating aquaponic system. A completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicates was followed with a fish to plant ratio of 4.7 kg/m3: 6 okra plants per tank. The potassium dosages of 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g/L were applied twice a month in control, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The water quality parameters remained within the favorable limit for aquaponic production. The results showed that the overall growth of okra viz., plant height, leaf number, length, and width was significantly higher in the treatments, particularly in T3 and T4 compared to other treatments and the control. The treatment T4 showed the significantly highest yield (31.26±0.78 g/plant) compared to the control (7.25±1.30 g/plant). The okra yield, pod number per plant, and average weight per pod were significantly influenced by potassium dosage with the highest value observed in T3 (4 g/L) and T4 (5 g/L). The potassium dosage also impacted the branching pattern of okra with the highest number of branches observed in plants sprayed with 4 g/L (T3) and 5 g/L (T4) while control showed no branching. The proximate and mineral composition showed significantly higher crude protein (13.57±0.32%) and potassium content (2306.70±37.76 mg/100 g) in okra pods in T4; while potassium and sulfur content of leaves was found to increase with the increased dosage of potassium application. The fish growth, hematological and antioxidant enzymes parameters showed no significant difference in all the treatments and control. The present study recommends a 5 g/L foliar potassium dosage to enhance okra growth and yield without impairing fish growth performance in okra-P. hypophthalmus aquaponics.

Effect of the Ethanol Extract of Red Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to Inhibit Cervical Cancer Cells Growth through Cell Cycle-Associated Oncogenes.

This study aims to evaluate the potency of ethanol extract of red okra pods (EEROP) in inhibiting growth of cervical cancer cells through repression of the cell cycle-associated oncogenes. The EEROP treatment was given to HeLa cells cultured with RPMI medium and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2. The MTT method was used to measure HeLa cell growth and IC50 values. The mRNA levels of the three cell cycle-associated oncogenes (MYC, TYMS, and MDM2) were evaluated by qRT-PCR to determine the effect of EEROP treatment on the cell cycle. The lowest percentage of viable cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours after EEROP treatment was in the dose of 1000 μg/mL with a growth percentage of 71.60% at 24 hours, 55.61% at 48 hours, and 46.97% at 72 hours. The IC50 values were 2845, 1153, and 776.8 μg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. The three oncogenes at a dose of 1000 μg/mL significantly decreased the lowest mRNA levels compared to other doses with MYC oncogene that experienced the greatest decrease. The mRNA level of dose 1000 μg/mL EEROP at the MYC oncogene was 0.014-fold changes, at the TYMS oncogene was 0.097-fold changes, and at the MDM2 oncogene was 0.028-fold changes. The EEROP has been shown to decrease the expression of three cell cycle-associated oncogenes. This is also supported by the growth of HeLa cells that did not increase throughout 24, 48, and 72 hours. However, further research is needed on the main active components in red okra that function as anticancer, so that in the future, okra can not only stop cancer cell growth but also induce cancer cell death.

Structural Morphology and Rheological Properties of Pectin Fractions Extracted from Okra Pods Subjected to Cold Plasma Treatment

Structural Morphology and Rheological Properties of Pectin Fractions Extracted from Okra Pods Subjected to Cold Plasma Treatment

Postharvest Handling Practices and Treatment Methods for Okra in Nigeria: A Review

Over the years, okra's demand has grown in Nigeria as a result of its economic and nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, due to inadequate handling and storage procedures, the okra pods produced deteriorates and loses value. To ensure that the wastage of this produced okra reduces, proper postharvest handling practices and treatment methods of okra should be properly adopted and deployed by okra farmers, especially in Nigeria. Harvesting/handling, cleaning/sorting, grading, packing, and storage are all key postharvest handling methods for preserving okra quality and increasing the shelf life of the okra pods after harvest. Moreover, efficient postharvest treatment procedures such as postharvest heat treatment, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)/modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), calcium chloride (CaCl2) application, edible coating, and sanitizing chemicals have been proven to improve the shelf life of Okra. From this review, it was concluded that the quality of the harvested fruits could be maintained and shelf life extended by simply using appropriate postharvest handling practices and treatment methods.

Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Value, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Assessment of Aqueous Extract from Abelmoschus esculentus Pods

Known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is commonly used for replacing plasma and expanding blood volume in humans. It is a major economic crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate and evaluate the nutritional properties and prospective applications of the consumable parts of okra. The total ash content (mineral content), carbohydrate, crude fiber, fat, protein, and moisture fractions of okra pod aqueous extract were determined. The results show that okra aqueous extract contained 84.670–87.650% moisture, 1.514–1.197% ash, 7.857–8.261% carbohydrate, 2.367–3.410% crude protein, and 6.781–8.314% crude fiber. Okra was determined to have high nutritional value, with γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol contents about 2.67 mg/100 g and 1.62 mg/100 g, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to determine the sugars present in okra aqueous extract. The water-soluble polysaccharide content was 10.22–16.45 g/100 g. The tested aqueous extract was a rich source of total phenolic compounds in gallic acid equivalents (288.2–3426.2 mg/100 g), chlorophyll a (3.53 mg/100), chlorophyll b (2.43 mg/100), and carotenoids (1.3 mg/100 g). The detected minerals were Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, K, Na, and Mn. Atomic absorption spectrometry analysis of these ashed minerals was performed. In addition to the nutritional benefits, okra pods exhibited antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract was found to be potentially active against bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC value = 21.8 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC value = 18.7 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (MIC value = 20.7 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC value = 20.2 mg/mL). Okra aqueous extract exhibited inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 120 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 115 µg/mL). The okra extract exhibited high anticancer activity, concentration-dependent and with an IC50 value of about 158.3 mg/mL. The results indicated that okra pods have nutritional and medicinal properties and, hence, can be used as a functional food and broad-spectrum nutraceutical supplement.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Pod Gel as a Low-Cost Alternative to Commercial Acoustic Gel

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool in medicine. However, a commercial acoustic gel is cost-prohibitive, especially in low-resource settings. In this study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) pod gel was evaluated as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel by comparing the sonographic image quality, organoleptic characteristics, spreadability, pH, viscosity, and ease of use of commercial gel and formulated okra pod gel (OPG). Fresh okra pods were harvested from a local plant nursery. OPG was prepared by mixing okra pods with water and cooking the mixture on medium heat. OPG and commercial gel were physically evaluated and randomly swabbed to different surfaces of a human tissue-mimicking phantom to obtain sonographic images. Five experienced sonologists rated the sonographic images based on image quality parameters. OPG had optimal appearance, texture, homogeneity, and pH value. OPG had higher spreadability but lower viscosity compared to commercial acoustic gel. No significant difference was reported in the image quality parameters between the gels used. Acceptability of OPG in terms of ease of use was the same as that of commercial gel. However, the sonologists reported that compared to commercial gel, OPG did not evaporate easily during the sonographic procedure. Based on the evaluation, OPG is feasible as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel. Further clinical trials employing actual patients are recommended to increase the validity of the study results.