Hypoglycemic Activity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Participants with Impaired Fasting Glucose

Abstract

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is characterized by a blood glucose level higher than normal
but lower than that of diabetes level. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) is an alternative
hypoglycemic and antidiabetic plant due to its phytochemical constituents that regulate
intestinal glucose absorption and prevents insulin resistance. This study determined the
hypoglycemic activity of okra among IFG participants. Subjects were random subjects with
impaired fasting glucose results upon screening. Quasi-experimental pre-test post-test was
used where a standard glucose load was consumed in the control phase and powdered okra
seed-peel mixed with the glucose load was consumed during the experimental phase. The blood
sugar concentration was measured again every hour until three hours after consumption of the
standard glucose load. In the experimental phase, the same group of participants was asked to
consume 75 grams of glucose load with powdered okra peel that depends on their body weight
(200 mg/kg of body mass). Fasting, 1 -hour, 2-hour and 3-hour glucose concentration were
measured the same way it was done during the control phase. Statistical analysis revealed that
Abelmoschus esculentus has its hypoglycemic effect only during the first hour while data
results for the 2nd and 3 rd hour are considered insignificant. The results proved that okra’s
mechanism in lowering glucose levels is immediate yet of short duration. Based on the data
gathered, the researchers conclude that the powdered peel of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) is
effective in lowering the blood glucose levels of IFG individuals only during the first hour after
the administration of oral glucose load. Abelmoschus esculentus may not be effective in
lowering the blood glucose after the next hours due to the fact that its mechanism of action is
immediate but of short duration. The researchers recommend future researches on the study of
Abelmoschus esculentus using increased dosage of each participant and that the experiment
should be performed at the same month.