Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds in various organs of Iranian okra accessions.

• Β-sitosterol content was measured first time in different organs of okra. • Bioactive compound contents varied greatly between organs and accessions of okra. • Outstanding accessions with higher levels of bioactive compounds were screened out. • Multivariate analysis of bioactive compounds distinguished and grouped clearly all accessions. • This work provided valuable information on the bioactive compounds in Iranian okra to use in breeding programs. Interest in the bioactive compounds in okra has piqued because of its nutraceuticals, therapeutic properties, and health benefits. Okra has been the subject of several studies, most of which have focused mainly on the properties and concentrations of polyphenols and polysaccharides or their distribution in one organ. Hence, the present study is the first attempt to measure β-sitosterol (BSS) in different organs (leaf, seed, and pod) of 20 accessions of okra commonly cultivated in Iran. Total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), radical scavenging capacity (AOA), total polysaccharide (TOP), protein content (PT), Total soluble sugar (TSS), proline content (PR), seed oil content, and profile of fatty acids were also assessed. The results indicated that the highest TPC, TFC, and AOA levels were recorded in the A13 (Khorasan Razavi) pods, while TOP, YP, and TSS were highest in A19 (Isfahan) pods. Moreover, PT and BSS levels were highest in A4 seeds from Sistan and Baluchestan. The oil content of okra seed ranged from 22.57% (A3, West Azerbaijan) to 42.30% (A7, Sistan and Baluchestan) among studied accessions. Linoleic acids and palmitic acid were found to be the most abundant fatty acids (42.50% to 52.15% and 27.63% to 31.8%) in all accessions. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed that A19, A13, A4, A7, and A12 are suitable for breeding programs because of their nutritional value, including high polyphenol, oil, linoleic acid, and phytosterol contents. These findings suggest enhancing the exploitation of okra organs such as seeds for oil, PT, and BSS and pods and leaves for TPC, TFC, and TOP and provide valuable information on bioactive compounds in Iranian accessions of okra to use in breeding programs and the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]