The Effects of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) Fruit Extracts on Diabetes Markers in Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders in both developed and developing countries. The use of phytochemicals and dietary agents have gained popularity in the management of this disease. In this study, aqueous and ethanol extracts from okra fruits produced by conventional plants or plants pre-treated with Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) were tested for anti-diabetic efficacy. These effects were compared with those of glibenclamide in a Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model over 6 weeks. Injection of STZ resulted in a full-blown phenotype of diabetes. By 4 weeks of the study, plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were significantly increased when compared with those in non-diabetic control rats. These changes were associated with significant decreases in body weight and increases in food consumption. Daily administration of okra extracts or glibenclamide did not generate a significant effect on body weight status, food consumption or glucose levels. However, aqueous extracts from IAAokra resulted in significant reductions in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides levels. These lipid-lowering effects of IAA-extracts were similar to those of glibenclamide in this animal model. Future studies warrant an investigation of lipid-lowering agents of aqueous extracts of IAA-okra fruits in this and other animal models.