Okra Research Articles

AeWRKY32 from okra regulates anthocyanin accumulation and cold tolerance in Arabidopsis

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a tropical crop species, and its growth and development are severely affected by cold stress. Recent studies have identified a potential association between WRKY transcription factors and the cold response mechanism of crops. In this study, the AeWRKY32 transcription factor that encodes 482 amino acids was amplified from A. esculentus, and its expression level was found to be the highest in the okra flower. AeWRKY32 localized to the nucleus and displayed transcriptional activation capability. Under normal conditions, overexpression of AeWRKY32 induced anthocyanin accumulation, with higher expression levels of AtCHS1, AtCHI4, AtF3H1, and AtDFR2 in transgenic Arabidopsis. Under cold stress, anthocyanin levels were further elevated in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. At the same time, AeWRKY32 overexpression promoted ABA biosynthesis, inhibited H2O2 and O2− generation, induced stomatal closure, reduced electrolyte leakage, and thus improved the cold resistance of transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, under cold stress, the expression profiles of AtCOR413, AtCOR15B, AtCBF1, and AtCBF2 were upregulated in transgenic Arabidopsis. Overall, our study provides evidence that AeWRKY32 serves as a crucial regulator in both anthocyanin accumulation and cold tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. Our findings could provide insights into the molecular mechanism linking AeWRKYs to plant cold tolerance.

Phytochemical screening: Determination of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of leaves and seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus L.

Reputed to be a plant rich in antioxidants, Abelmoschus esculentus or okra is a very effective vegetable against diabetes. In this work, we made a qualitative study of the bioactive compounds contained in the leaves and seeds of okra, through a phytochemical screening. Subsequently, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these extracts were studied. The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to evaluate the content of the phenolic compound. The DPPH● radical made it possible to measure the antioxidant power of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis made it possible to high the presence of substances with great therapeutic values ​​(polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, etc.). The antibacterial activity was measured on bacterial strains. The antioxidant capacities reveal that the extracts of the leaves and seeds of okra possess an interesting anti-free radical activity with IC50 values ​​of 06 ± 0.21 mg / mL and 8.85 ± 0.28 mg / mL respectively for the leaves and the seeds. . Biological analysis shows that the E. faecalis strain is resistant to different extracts. E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa strains show some sensitivity to ethanolic extracts. However, E. colis and S. aureus strains show the best antimicrobial activities with a MIC of 3.75 mg/mL for crude ethanol extract and ethanol fraction of leaves and seeds.

Effect of Compost and Vermicompost Amendments on Biochemical and Physiological Responses of Lady’s Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Grown under Different Salinity Gradients

In the coming decades, the pressure to use saline water will increase as most of the natural resources with good water quality are being depleted. In order to avoid more stress on the soil plant system, a better understanding of the type of amendments and their integration with the irrigational water quality of any location-specific region is essential. Utilizing salt-affected lands in the best way possible will facilitate food security for the growing human population. An experiment was conducted with the Abelmoschus esculentus L. plant, irrigated with saline water having different NaCl gradients (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM), to evaluate the biochemical and physiological responses under different salinity gradients. Additionally, the effect of compost and vermicompost amendments in soil on plant responses to the changing salinity of irrigated water was observed. The results suggested that the addition of compost and vermicompost in soil not only suppressed the adverse impact of salinity in plants but also increased soil nutrients (TKN, OC, avail. P, avail. K and avail. Ca contents). Moreover, some biochemical parameters and plant growth parameters showed better traits in such manure-amended setups. The enhancement of proline, phenol, ascorbic acid and lipid peroxidation contents in the leaves of Abelmoschus esculentus L. under high salinity levels suggests some secondary metabolite-mediated response possibly due to stress caused by soil salt accumulations. In summary, crop production could be efficiently maintained in saline water-irrigated areas after amending the soils with appropriate organic manure.

Screening of Okra Genotypes against Powdery Mildew under Natural Epiphytotic Conditions

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a globally crucialannual vegetable belonging to family malvaceae, it is the most broadly distributed vegetable all over the world. Among the fungal diseases affecting okra crops, powdery mildew caused by Erysiphecichoracearum DC. is the most crucial disease-causing considerable yield losses. Host plant resistance is one of the most practical, economical and feasible methods of management of plant diseases. An attempt was made to identify sources of resistance which could be used in developing resistant variety to mitigate loss in farmer’s field.Fifty okra genotypes were screened for their response to powdery mildew under natural epiphytotic conditions during Rabi, 2020-21Results revealed that, out of fifty genotypes screened, none of them showed immune and resistant reactions to powdery mildew. However, one genotype i.e., EC329404 showed a moderately resistance reaction. Twenty genotypes showed a moderately susceptible reaction. While twenty-two genotypes showed susceptible reaction, and one genotype viz., IC42531 showed a highly susceptible reaction. The average ‘r’ value ranged from 0.070 to 0.123. The highest average ‘r-value (0.123) was observed in genotypes IC42524 and EC329405, with the least average ‘r’ value in genotype EC329415 (0.070). For yield, It was found that most of the genotypes screened were potential yielders and recorded good yield despite the pathogen attack. Thus these high-yielding genotypes can be utilised in back cross-breeding along with disease resistant parent (EC 329404) to obtain resistant variety with high-yielding potential.

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.

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit extract and assessment of their cytotoxicity and photocatalytic applications

In this research, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were biosynthesized through a simple, quick, and green manner by the exertion of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit extract as a stabilizer and reducing agent. TGA/DTA, UV–Vis, DRS, FTIR, XRD, BET, TEM, FESEM/EDX, and PSA analyses were used to characterize the CuO-NPs. The XRD analysis of CuO-NPs exhibited the monoclinic structure of crystallizes in a size of about 25 nm. The optical and surface characteristics of CuO-NPs were examined by the results of DRS and BET analyses, while their surface area was observed to be 5.6 m2/g. The absorption spectra of NPs revealed a peak at around 320 nm. In addition, as their FESEM/TEM/PSA images displayed their spherical shape in a size of about 20 nm. The effectiveness of CuO-NPs as a photocatalyst was examined by testing their ability to degrade various dyes under UV light. According to the outcomes after 210 min, the degradation percentages of Eriochrome black T (EBT), Rhodamine B (RhB), and Methylene blue (MB) dyes were approximately 88, 96, and 88%, respectively. The anticancer efficacy of CuO-NPs against the HeLa cancer cell line in 24, 48, and 72 h (IC50=1000, 500, and 250 μg/mL, respectively) was observed to be significant, whereas lower cytotoxic effects were induced on the normal fibroblast L929 cell line when compared to that of cancer cells. The viability of normal cells at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL was decreased to 74, 71, and 65% after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively.

Food-energy‑carbon nexus of Himalayan okra–pea cropping system: Impacts of AM-fungi, precision phosphorus and irrigation regimes in an acid Alfisol

Conventional farming practices are energy and carbon-intensive. Low-cost technologies like AM-fungi (AMF) and precision P-management vis-à-vis precision irrigation-scheduling may enhance P-bioavailability, and crop- and water-productivity with reduced energy and carbon-footprints in acid-Alfisol of north-western Himalayas. Hence, an experiment was done in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)-pea (Pisum sativum) cropping system (OPCS) using AMF (Glomus mosseae) at three inorganic-P levels (50, 75 & 100 % of soil-test based P-dose) and two irrigation-regimes (40 & 80 % AWC). AMF-inoculation significantly enhanced the system-productivity (∼11 %), bio-energy output (∼8 %) and SOC-storage over non-AMF plots in OPCS. Carbon-input use followed the trend of water>diesel>fertilizers> FYM > herbicides> pesticides>AMF in OPCS. AMF-inoculation significantly reduced the carbon-footprints (0.466 kg CO2-e kg−1) by ∼10.2 % over non-AMF plots. Soil-test based 100 % P-dose significantly enhanced the system-productivity (6.3–15.6 %) and bio-energy output (4.7–12.6 %) with lesser carbon-footprints (5.3–15 %) over 50 and 75 % P-dose. Irrigation at 80 % AWC enhanced system-productivity (∼4.1 %), however at 40 % AWC reduced carbon-footprints by ∼11.7 % besides saving irrigation-water by ∼24 % (150 mm ha−1/year) in OPCS. Hence, farmers must necessarily use AMF-inoculation coupled with soil-test based P-fertilization (75–100 %) while preserving a balance in irrigation water-use at 40–80 % AWC depending upon water-availability for higher crop- and water-productivity besides lesser energy and carbon-footprints in OPCS in Himalayan acid Alfisol.

Growth, yield, water productivity and economics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in response to gravity drip irrigation under mulch and without-mulch conditions

Optimization of water by the drip irrigation system and soil water conservation through appropriate mulching is a prerequisite for sustainable crop production in water resource-scarce areas. A three seasons of field experiment was conducted to investigate the crop and water productivity of okra in relation to gravity drip irrigation use of mulch in combination with mulch under the environmental condition of the Indo-Gangetic plains of eastern India. Four levels of irrigation viz., surface irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE (I1), drip irrigation at 0.6 (I2), 0.8 (I3) and 1.0 (I4) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and three mulches viz., no-mulch (M0), black polythene mulch (M1) and paddy straw mulch (M2) laid out in a split-plot design with three replications were investigated. Results showed that I3M1 produced the higher average growth, yield attributes, fruit yield (12.24 t ha−1), CWP, IWP, ECWP and EIWP and maximum economic returns, being almost identical to I4M1. Under severe water scarcity, I2M1 was an alternative. The highest BCR was accomplished in I4M0 followed by I3M0. Drip irrigation scheduling saved about 14–56% of water over surface irrigation, which could accommodate 11.1–48.6% of additional land area under the drip irrigation network. The optimal irrigation and ETarequirements were estimated at 86–136 mm and 142–168 mm, respectively for obtaining maximum yield (12.1–12.3 t ha−1). The water-yield production function model gives many options for allocating limited water resources under drip irrigation for a desirable yield. The crop yield response factor confirmed that moderate deficit irrigation management with a drip system across the growing period can be a feasible option for okra cultivators in the water-scarce regions of Indo-Gangetic plains or similar agro-climatic conditions.

Hybrid evaluation for yield and yield attributes in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) during monsoon season

The present investigation aimed to evaluate Okra hybrids for growth and yield characteristics during the monsoon season in the dry and humid regions of Telangana. The experiment was conducted under augmented design with nineteen numbers of checks over 335 okra hybrids. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the traits under adjusted and unadjusted treatment effect and moreover checks also, except the number of days for flowering. The comparative mean performance deduced the hybrids like 21A014, 21A046, 21A064, 21A077, 21A079, 21A095, 21A112, 21A121, 21A181, 21A235, 21A252 and Check-12 has performed well under monsoon condition for various characters. The genetic parameter revealed that the traits like number of branches, stem internode distance (cm), average fruit weight (g), seed count, yield per plant (g/plant) and yield per hectare (t/ha) resulted in moderate Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV), with high broad sense heritability coupled with high Genetic Advance over Mean (GAM). The selected hybrids can be potentially evaluated for the summer season in various locations for yield prospective and viral tolerance.

EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS INSWISS ALBINO MICE

Objectives: This work aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of the ethanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentus, administered orally to Swiss albino mice. Methods: An dosage of 2000 mg/kg was administrated and toxicity studies were conducted following organization for economic cooperation and development guidelines of 425 and 407 respectively in Swiss albino mice. During the study, general signs of toxicity were monitored. The mice which are used in the toxicology study were sacrificed, and histological, hematological, and biochemical analyses were done. Results: No behavioral changes were observed in all mice subjected to the study. The extract did not bring about any deaths after 14 days for the acute toxicity study in all the doses and also 90 days at a very high dosage chronic toxicity study days. Although a significant variation was observed in hematocrit, granulocyte, lymphocyte, Alanine transaminase, total cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels, the extract did not have any significant effect (p<0.05) on the other biochemical and hematological parameters evaluated during the study. Conclusion: The result indicates that the oral administration of ethanolic extract of A. esculentus did not produce any significant toxic effect in the mice. Hence, the extract can be utilized safely for therapeutic use in pharmaceutical formulations.

Formulation of Targeted Yield Equations for Okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Monech)] in Inceptisols of Odisha

Formulation of Targeted Yield Equations for Okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Monech)] in Inceptisols of Odisha

Okra Micro-Cellulose Crystal (MCC) and Micro-Clay Composites for the Remediation of Copper, Nickel, and Dye (Basic Yellow II) from Wastewater

Water pollution by contaminants such as toxic metals and dyes is now a major concern due to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the use of micro/nanomaterials to treat and purify water in various industries. In this study, Bijoypur clay was modified with ethyldiamine and incorporated into an okra fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) micro-cellulose crystal (MCC) to produce a composite that could absorb copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and dyes like basic yellow (II) from industrial wastewater. Composites were prepared using different percentages of MCC and clay. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the concentrations of Cu and Ni whereas a UV–Visible spectrophotometer measured the absorbance of basic yellow (II). The synthesized composites were extensively characterized using a range of techniques including thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that both the MCC and clay could absorb Cu, Ni, and basic yellow (II) from the contaminated wastewater. The MCC and clay composite showed the maximum efficiency of metals removal, which was up to 95% (24 mg/g) for Cu at pH 6, 20 min contact time, 2 g/L adsorbent dose, and 100% (31 mg/g) for Ni at pH 8, 60 min contact time, and 2 g/L adsorbent dose, respectively, at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L. The maximum dye uptake capacity of 85% (19 mg/g) was observed by the MCC and clay composite under optimized conditions at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L, pH 8, 30 min contact time, and 1 g/L adsorbent dose compared to the pure clay, which had an efficiency up to 26% for Cu and 24% for dye removal. All of the results indicate that incorporating clay into MCC increases the absorption capacity of contaminants from wastewater, which could be more effective for environmental applications compared to untreated cellulose.

Effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) leaves, fruits and seeds extracts on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) leukocytes, and their cytotoxic, bactericidal and antioxidant properties.

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L., is a popular vegetable crop with many bioactive compounds. The in vitro immunostimulant, cytotoxic, bactericidal and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts obtained from different parts of okra (leaves, fruits, and seeds) were studied. Phytochemical screening of hydroalcoholic extracts of okra leaves, fruits and seeds revealed a significant content of total phenols and flavonoids. Notable effects on the activities of leukocytes in the head kidney of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) (viability, phagocytic ability and capacity, and respiratory burst), as well as on peroxidase leukocyte contents were detected after incubation for 24h with different concentrations (0.01-1mgmL-1) of the extracts. The mean concentrations (0.1 and 0.5mgmL-1) of the different extracts increased the phagocytic ability and respiratory activity of head kidney leukocytes. However, the mean concentrations (0.1mgmL-1) of leaf and fruit extracts significantly decreased the peroxidase activity of leukocytes. In addition, all ethanolic okra extracts at higher concentrations (1mgmL-1) produced a marked reduction in the viability of the DLB-1cell line compared to the viability recorded in the control samples. In addition, ethanolic extracts used at 0.5 and 1mgmL-1had a significant cytotoxic effect on the viability of PLHC-1cells. Finally, all doses of seed and leaf extracts at higher concentrations (0.5 and 1mgmL-1) showed significant bactericidal activity on two fish pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio anguillarum and V. harveyi strains. Finally, a remarkable antioxidant activity was detected on the ethanolic extracts. All these results point to their possible use as an alternative to chemical compounds in farmed fish.

Effectiveness of Homemade Repellents and Spray Timing in Controlling Insect Pest in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Chinese Mustard (Brassica rapa var. Parachinensis)

Pest is primary main destructive agents in fruits and vegetable production that impact the quality and its production. Insect pests are the most ruinous agents that attack vegetable plants. Use of chemical pesticides has become extensive to reduce the losses. However, synthetic pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment and human if applied without proper training in pesticide application. One of the alternative ways to control pests that are environmentally safe and cost effective is by using natural repellents. However, there are little study conducted on the application method regarding the effectiveness of the natural repellent in controlling pest. Hence, the present experiment was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neem fermentation and the combination solution of garlic, chili and ginger and its spray timing in controlling pest on Abelmoschus esculentus and Brassica rapa. There are two different application times, which are early morning 8-9 a.m. and the late evening which is between 6-7 p.m. The parameters collected were severity of pest infestation, number of pests infected in each treatment, and the yield of okra and mustard. Data were analysed using ANOVA and mean comparison using LSD. The result show that for both okra and mustard treated with neem can control insect attacks most effectively, followed by mixture of chili, garlic, and ginger. Between application times of natural plant repellent, spraying in late evening showed the most efficient in controlling pest attack, compared to spray in the early morning.

Isolation and Identification of bacteria from the agricultural soil samples to tolerate pesticides dimethoate, thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid

In the current study, bacteria from agricultural soil systems that have been polluted with pesticides were isolated, identified, and their ability to tolerate pesticides was examined. Target bacterial species were isolated from Psidium guajava (L) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L) cultivating an agriculture field. From 10 distinct soil samples collected from an agricultural field, 27 bacterial species were extracted, and the capacity of these microorganisms to withstand pesticides was examined. Only three bacterial species (PRB-S1P2, PRB-S1P3, and PRB-S6P1) are capable to grow on Nutrient agar medium with different concentration of pesticides dimethoate, Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid. Apart from these three, one bacterial species were highly tolerant to all test pesticides. The highest pesticide tolerant bacteria are Pseudomonas nitroreducens was identified through 16s rRNA sequencing and the sequences were submitted to the NCBI with the accession No: ON624333.1. Hence, the bacteria can be subjected to further study of its use in the field of bioremediation.

Fruit yield and yield-related traits of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench] genotypes as influenced by different seed priming techniques in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Okra is a commercially important vegetable crop that grows in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate parts of the world, but its productivity is hindered by a lack of improved cultivars and delayed and erratic seedling emergence in the field. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed priming treatments on okra genotypes' seedling emergence and fruit yield. In this experiment, Clemson spineless, Arka Anamika, SOH701, 240,207, and 240,586 okra genotypes were primed with tap water, 50% cow urine, 200 ppm GA3, and 0.5% KH2PO4 as treatments, and dry seed of each genotype was used as a control. The experiment was conducted in Dire Dawa by irrigation in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. GenStat software was used to analyse all the data collected in this experiment. Genotype and seed priming treatments significantly affected phenology, growth, fruit yield, and yield-related traits, and their interactions affected the above traits, except for days to seedling emergence and fruit number per plant. Genotype Clemson spineless (5.13 days) and seed primed with GA3 (4.6 days) had the shortest days to 50% seedling emergence, and genotype 240,586 primed with KH2PO4 produced the highest fruit yield per hectare (37.78 t ha−1). So, farmers in the study area are advised to use genotype 240,586 with KH2PO4 seed priming to increase fruit yield. However, research conducted at one site should be repeated at multiple sites in order to make recommendations that are relevant to the country.

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.

Spectrum of chlorophyll mutations and morphological variations in Abelmoschus esculentus L. induced through gamma radiation

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], is an economically exploited important traditional vegetable crop of the world. The present investigation examined the variability in induced chlorophyll mutants and othermorphological variations in okra. Seeds of two open pollinated popular varieties of okra namely Arka Anamika and Arka Abhay were irradiated with gamma doses of 30, 50 and 80 kR. The treatment 50 kR enhanced plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, single fruit weight and total fruit yield per plant. Spectrum of several chlorophyll mutants were observed in the M1 generation. Other macro-mutants such as early and late flowering types, dwarf statured plants, leaf and flower mutants were also noticed at different doses of gamma radiation. The total number of visible mutation followed a trend of increasing frequency with the increase in dose of radiation.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of donepezil hydrochloride orodispersible tablets

Objective: The present study was aimed to prepare and evaluate Donepezil HCl Orodispersible tablets (DO-ODTs) using natural and synthetic superdisintegrants to increase patient compliance. Methods: Direct compression was adapted using crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium as synthetic and mucilage isolated from fruits of Abelmoschus esculentus as natural superdisintegrants at different concentrations along with microcrystalline cellulose and aerosil. The powder mixture were subjected for pre and post compression evaluation including FTIR spectroscopy, micromeritic properties, tablet weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, wetting time, dispersion time, water absorption ration, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. Results: The low SD indicate the drug content was uniform, FTIR suggest no interaction between the drug and the excipients used. The DO-ODTs prepared with croscarmellose at higher concentration shows better in vitro drug release and relative properties than the DO-ODTs prepared with crospovidone and Abelmoschus esculentus. Conclusion: The results of this work reveals that DO-ODTs shows water absorption, dispersion, rapid disintegration time, fast drug release and good hardness, further conclude that DO-ODTs can be efficiently and successfully formulated by direct compression method.

Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Prevents Insulin Resistance and Restores Neuron Autophagy by Regulating Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 and Thus Improving Hippocampal Function.

Diabetes is highly linked to the occurrence of Alzheimer disease (AD), which is characterized by beta amyloid peptide (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of tau (p-tau), and neuron damage particularly in hippocampus. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is featured by insulin resistance, and phosphorylation of Ser307-IRS-1 is regarded as a resistance marker. Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) are effective tools for treating T2D. Previously, we reported subfractions of Abelmoschus esculentus (AE, okra) (F1 rich in quercetin glycosides; F2 composed of polysaccharide) attenuated DPP-4 and its downstream signals of insulin resistance, thus preventing Aβ-induced neuron damage. Since autophagy could be protective, we now explore if AE works to modulate neuron autophagy by regulating DPP-4 and insulin resistance and, thus, improves the hippocampal function and behavior. We demonstrated that AE subfractions attenuate Aβ-induced insulin resistance and the expression of p-tau and normalize the autophagy and survival of hippocampal neurons. The action of AE may be attributed to the downregulation of DPP-4, which plays a critical role in mediating insulin resistance and hinders neuron autophagy. The in vivo findings reveal that the hippocampal insulin resistance appears to link with loss of memory, reduction of curiosity, and depression, whereas treatment with AE significantly improves the insulin sensitivity and hippocampal function. Noteworthy, even at only 5 μg/mL, F2 seems to exhibit a meaningful effect. In conclusion, we suggest that AE attenuates insulin resistance and recovers neuron autophagy which are regulated by DPP-4, thus preventing the damage to the hippocampus, improving recognition and emotion. AE may be an effective adjuvant or supplement to prevent insulin resistance-associated pathogenesis of AD if these results can be confirmed in human clinical trials.