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Okra has recently attracted attention owing to its superior tolerance to high temperatures, greater adaptation to poor soil conditions, and having a robust plant structure. The plant contains a high amount of oil and valuable fatty acids; however, the main restriction of using okra seeds as an oil crop results from its gossypol contents. The aim of this study was to determine the oil content of okra landraces and to evaluate its potential as an oil crop. For this aim, seed oil content, fatty acid compositions of cold‐pressed seed oil, and gossypol concentrations of fruit, oil cake, and seed oil were investigated in a core collection of 26 okra landraces, lines, and cultivars. Individual plants were harvested at the full maturity stage, and seeds were harvested and dried under 35°C for 2 days prior to oil extraction. Oil content, fatty acid composition, and gossypol content were analyzed by NMR, GC‐FID, and HPLC, respectively. The calibration coefficients (r2) of all the methods were determined to be > 0.99. The seed oil content of the samples ranged between 12.15% and 18.83%. Linoleic (42.01%), palmitic (31.65%), oleic (18.39%), and stearic acids (3.20%) were found to be the largest fraction of the fatty acids. The data matrix from 19 fatty acids and oil content was subjected to Principle Component Analysis (PCA). As a result, 6 principal components (PCs, eigenvalues > 1) explained 83.84% of total variance in the data set, with PC1 contributing 32.69% of the total. Gossypol contents of the fruit, oil cake, and seed oil fractions ranged between LOQ‐2.12, < LOQ‐7.01, and < LOQ‐62.46 mg/kg, respectively. In conclusion, okra may have the potential to be an alternative oil crop for food/feed purposes due to the presence of reasonable oil content, high‐quality fatty acid variations, and very low amounts of toxic gossypols, warranting further breeding and agronomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study conducted in Iran to investigate a new disease affecting okra plants. Growers in Chenaran City have observed unusual symptoms in okra cultivated in greenhouses, including curled pods and growth abnormalities. The study used DNA analysis to identify the cause of the disease and found that it is associated with a strain of phytoplasma belonging to the Clover proliferation group. This is the first report of this particular strain causing okra curled pod disease in Iran and globally. [Extracted from the article]

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is a key enzyme in the glyconeogenesis pathway. The AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPK‐α) pathway regulates PEPCK, which itself is activated by the AMP/ATP ratio and liver kinase B1 (KB1). The Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (okra) plant contains a large amount of quercetin that can function as an agonist or an antagonist. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of quercetin flavonoid and A. esculentus extract on the level of AMPK‐α expression and associated metabolic pathways. The findings demonstrate that metformin, quercetin, and okra extract may significantly raise AMPK‐α levels while significantly lowering PEPCK and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) levels, in addition to improving glucose and lipid profiles. By stimulating KB1, these substances increased AMPK‐α activation. Additionally, AMPK‐α activation improved insulin resistance and Glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) gene expression levels. Since AMPK‐α maintains energy balance and its activity has not been reported to be inhibited so far, it could be a potent therapeutic target. Practical applications: The development of effective AMPK‐α agonists and antagonists holds promise for the treatment of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Dietary polyphenols are a valuable source for developing new drugs. However, due to the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms of their effect on cells, their use in the treatment of diabetes is controversial. In addition to chemicals that have medicinal benefits, chemists are searching for less harmful substances. Using plants containing bioactive chemicals for this purpose can be a good alternative to chemical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has traditionally been used in diabetes treatment. This study investigated the effect of Okra whole fruit on blood glucose level of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 with concomitant use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 diabetic patients were assigned to okra group (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The okra group received 1,000 mg of A.esculentus whole fruit capsules orally, every 6 hr for 8 weeks. The control group received placebo capsule in the same manner. The levels of FBS (fasting blood sugar), BS (blood sugar), and Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1c) were measured at baseline and after intervention in both groups. The levels of FBS, BS, and HgA1c were significantly decreased in okra group within the intervention compared to control group (p < .05). Moreover, the numbers to treat (NNT) for FBS, BS, and HgA1C were seven, eight, and seven, respectively. Okra whole fruit supplementation has a promising anti-hyperglycemic effect in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who received oral agents. Diabetic patients could benefit from adjuvant therapy of okra with other medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the first occurrence of Cotton bunchy top virus-1 (CBTV-1) in okra plants in Iraq. The disease was observed in okra fields in Baghdad Province, with a disease incidence of 20-30%. The virus was identified through bioinformatic data analysis and confirmed using a specific RT-PCR primer set. CBTV-1 is known to cause severe disease in cotton plants and infects other plant hosts as well. Further investigations are needed to determine the incidence of CBTV-1 in other Iraqi plant hosts and its interaction with potential insect vectors. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of okra consumption on serum levels of lipid profiles and glycemic indices in Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. The present study was a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial, carried out in Kerman, Iran. Sixty T2D patients were randomized into intervention and control groups and received 10 g okra powder blended in 150 g conventional yogurt or conventional yogurt alone, along with dinner and lunch, for 8 weeks. Glycemic markers and lipid profile were assessed, as well as anthropometric measures, at the beginning and end of study. The findings showed that 8 weeks okra consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (−15.61 ± 19.44 vs. −3.40 ± 24.78; p =.02), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−1.17 ± 1.61 vs. −0.14 ± 1.64; p =.01), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.007 vs. 0.00 ± 0.01; p =.004), triacylglycerol (−22.30 ± 32.46 vs. −3.86 ± 30.57; p =.001), total cholesterol (−10.23 ± 10.36 vs. −2.03 ± 13.94; p =.004), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; −8.15 ± 10.01 vs. −2.31 ± 9.37; p =.02), and LDL‐C/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (−0.28 ± 0.37 vs. −0.08 ± 0.24; p =.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in HDL‐C, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin levels, and anthropometric measures. The present study suggests that okra consumption can elicit improvements in lipid profile, as well as glycemic markers, among T2D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical and functional properties of dried okra seed flour of two genotypes Agbagoma and Balabi were evaluated. The samples Agbagoma and Balabi had 8.90%–9.00% moisture, 16.80%–17.40% protein, 47.80%–48.00% fat, 7.70%–7.80% ash, and 18.20%–18.40% carbohydrate. The mean values of functional properties revealed significant differences (p <.05) between okra seed flour samples studied. The samples' bulk density range was 0.80–0.83 g/ml. Water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity ranged from 511.65% to 504.32% and 88.38 to 160.67%, respectively. The solubility was 14.10% for Agbagoma and 10.97% for Balabi, whereas swelling power was 16.37% and 14.68% for Agbagoma and Balabi, respectively. All pasting properties except peak time and pasting temperature of Agbagoma seed flour were higher than those of Balabi seed flour. The study revealed that dried okra seed flour is rich in nutrients, which could be used for baking and fortification of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Okra mucilage powder (OMP) was firstly reported its antibacterial mode of action observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The reconstituted OMP or okra mucilage solution (OMS) with the concentration at 120 mg/mL was analysed for its total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity reported as 11.33 ± 0.265 mg gallic acid/100 mL, 5.06 ± 0.197 mg catechin/100 mL and 176.18 ± 12.180 µmol Trolox equivalent/100 mL, respectively. The OMS exhibited strong antibacterial activities on Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes with more than 3 log reduction from bacterial inoculum. Nonetheless, mode of action of OMS studied via TEM revealed that cells treated with OMS showed broken cell walls, cell membrane separation and intracellular content leakage. SEM photography revealed furrowed bacterial cell wall surface for this OMS‐treated cells when compared with untreated cells. Overall, our data suggested that the reconstituted OMP offered the greatest functional properties as antioxidant properties and antibacterial activities, aiding to its future application as a potential novel functional ingredient with health‐promoting application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed at summarizing phytochemical reports and biological activities of Abelmoschus esculentus L. from the database sources. For this, an up-to-date search was made in the PubMed, Science Direct, MedLine, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The findings suggest that A. esculentus contains various nutrients and important phytochemicals. It possesses a number of important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, organ protective, and neuropharmacological activities. Moreover, the plant also has lipid-lowering, trypsin inhibitory, hemagglutinating, antiadhesive, and antifatigue activities. The fruit and seeds are well tolerated in humans and other animals. In conclusion, A. esculentus may be one of the best sources of pharmacologically active lead compounds. More research is necessary on its toxicogenetic effects in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July and August 2013, blossom blight and soft rot of pods were observed on okra in experimental fields in Iksan and Jeju, Korea. Infection started in fading flower petals, spread to entire flowers and young pods, resulting in blighted blossoms and soft rot of pods. Severe infection caused early falling of blossoms and fruit drop, reducing plant vigour in the summer season. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of two molecular markers ITS rDNA and D1/D2 region of the LSU, the fungus was identified as Choanephora cucurbitarum. A pathogenicity test was carried out to fulfil Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cucurbitarum on okra in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of perimeter trap cropping, using short and extra-short duration pigeon pea ( SD PP and ESD PP), sorghum and cotton, was evaluated in Niger as an agroecological alternative to pesticide application on okra for the management of the tomato fruit worm ( TFW) Helicoverpa armigera ( Hübner)., In 2008, infestation by TFW and damage by fruit worms of unsprayed okra with SD PP borders was intermediate between cypermethrin-sprayed and unsprayed pure okra crops., In 2009, the cypermethrin-sprayed okra was significantly less damaged by fruit worms than in the unsprayed pure okra, as well as in the unsprayed okra crops with SD PP, sorghum and cotton borders., In 2010, the pure okra crop sprayed with cypermethrin was significantly less infested by TFW than the unsprayed pure okra crop and the unsprayed okra crop with SD PP borders. The unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders was intermediate between cypermethrin-sprayed and unsprayed pure okra crops., The slightly lower TFW infestation of the unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders was a result of increased top-down regulation by predator spiders, whose colonization was significantly higher on the unsprayed okra crop with ESD PP borders than on both (sprayed and unsprayed) pure okra crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new pentacyclic triterpenes, (3 β,21 β)-19,21-epoxylup-20(29)-en-3-yl acetate ( 1) and (3 β)-9,18-dihydroxyolean-12-en-3-yl acetate ( 2), were isolated from Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. Their structures were determined on the basis of detailed analyses of their 1D- and 2D-NMR-spectroscopic and MS data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen selected okra varieties consisting of ten newly-developed lines and five established varieties were evaluated for stability of seed yields in eight different environments i.e. several monthly plantings for three consecutive years. Seed yield data were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of using different planting dates in seed yield trials of new okra varieties. The wide ranges of environmental indices (-10.8 to 24.4) and seed yield (2.7 to 38.0 g plant-1) indicated significant variation between the environments even though the trials were conducted at the same location. A regression method of stability analysis showed that the mean differences between environments, the varieties and their interactions were highly significant. These results suggest that where limited resources prevent the use of several locations, different dates of planting for two or more years could be used to evaluate okra varieties for seed yield without losing much information on their relative ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aimed to study the effect of two culinary treatments (boiling and roasting) on the antidiabetic potential of Abelmoschus esculentus fruits and seeds in type 2 diabetic rats. Crude fiber, total phenolic content, and in vitro free radical scavenging capacity of the various culinary forms of the fruits and seeds were assessed. Streptozotoccin and high‐fat diet‐induced type 2 diabetes Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups of 10 rats each, and treated for 28 days with either metformin or suspensions of one of the following: untreated fruits (UTF), boiled fruits, untreated seeds, and roasted seeds. Controls were made up of untreated nondiabetic (T−) and diabetic (T+) animals. Fasting blood glucose was measured on a weekly basis. The lipid profile and markers of the hepatic and kidney toxicity were measured at the end of the experimentation. Boiling and roasting did not affect the fiber content of the Abelmoschus esculentus fruits and seeds, but significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the total phenolic content as well as their free radical scavenging capacity. Daily administration of processed and UTF and seed suspensions significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the blood glucose level of rats. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), creatinine, and urea was observed along with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serum level of total protein. Boiling and roasting do not significantly influence the antidiabetic potential of A. esculentus fruits and seeds. Practical applications: A. esculentus commonly called Okra, a fiber‐rich fruit, has already demonstrated hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, which makes this plant an interesting alternative for the management of diabetes. The fruit is popularly used in food preparations in different parts of the world. During thermal processing operations, the fiber and phenolic content may be altered in their functionality and could result in either the decrease or increase of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of this fruit. Hence, appropriate processing methods or culinary form should be established in order to increase the health‐promoting properties of this plant food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]