A Review on Ethnomedicinal, Pharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmaceutical Profile of Lady’s Finger (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L.) Plant

Abstract

Abelmoschus is a genus of about fifteen species belongs to the family Malvaceae. The herb, popularly known as Lady's Finger or Okra (in English) is a nutritional source used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant is widely distributed from Africa to Asia, Southern Europe, and America. This comprehensive account provides a botanical description of the plant, its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities focusing anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-adhesive, gastro-protective, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulating actions. Most of the pharmacological effects can be explained by the constituents like tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides present in all plant parts. However, future efforts should concentrate more on in vitro and in vivo studies and also on clinical trials in order to confirm traditional wisdom in the light of a rational phytotherapy. The present review is an overview of phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological studies that support many of the traditional ethnomedicinal uses of the plant.

Medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory diseases in Zimbabwe: Review and perspectives potential management of COVID-19

“… Highly toxic LC 50 - 3.98 μg/ml acetone extract, 47.66 μg/ml methanol, 100 μg/ml ethyl acetate and 138 μg/ml water. Dikko et al (2016) ; Mshelia et al (2016) ; Maroyi (2017e) ; Chowdhury et al (2019) ; Yusuf et al (2020) Malvaceae Sida acuta Burm. f. Chest pains Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antimalarial, cardiovascular, antiulcer, antiviral, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic and insecticidal activities.…”

Identification and Quantification of Flavonoids in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro of Four Main Components Identified

“…Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is an annual plant and is believed to originate near Ethiopia in Africa [7,8], which was used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. A variety of health functions of okra, such as reducing blood-sugar and fat [9,10], antifatigue [11], antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammatory response in ethanol-induced acute gastricmucosal injury and providing neuroprotection in neurodegeneration diseases such as Alzheimer's disease have been reported in recent years [6,11,12].…”

Reproductive effects of Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extract in female Wistar rats

“…Previous studies showed that okra extract possesses an in vitro non-enzymatic inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in liposome effects and that its peel and seed powder contain significant in vivo antioxidant properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats ( Liao et al, 2012 ; Mihretu et al, 2014 ). Abelmoschus esculentus plays a vital role in the human diet and health ( Petropoulos et al, 2018 ), it is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, such as carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins ( Adelakun et al, 2009 ; Chowdhury et al, 2019 ). ( Husen et al, 2019 ) stated that Abelmoschus esculentus is used medicinally for plasma replacement or expanding blood volume, also, its soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins lowers serum cholesterol and the risk of heart diseases ( Husen et al, 2020 ).…”