Philippine E-Journals

Hypoglycemic Activity of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rattus norvegicus (Sprague-Dawley Rats)

Kyra Victorien V Dimalanta | Aidelle B Hernandez | Micah Aise Thyrince C Ting | Darlene Andrea V Valois | Mark Kerwin F Sayas

 

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is the sixth leading disorder that has rapid global prevalence and incidence rates. One of its well-known signs and symptoms is hyperglycemia, caused by impaired secretion of insulin or physiologic action in an individual that can lead to renal or cardiac problems. Greater than 60% of these diabetic patients reside in Asia. It has a higher prevalence among underdeveloped countries like the Philippines. A wide range of diabetes medication is now available commercially; however, patients are also at risk of its side effects. In line with the need to produce a nontoxic and affordable alternative to diabetes medication, the researchers investigated the hypoglycemic activity of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra). Eighteen (18) rats were used in this experiment, that were randomly distributed into six (6) groups. A hyperglycemic agent, Streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to increase the blood glucose concentration of Sprague Dawley rats. Treatment was done by administering varying concentrations 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg of Okra pure extract. The effectiveness of Okra pure extract is compared to that of hypoglycemic activity of Acarbose, which revealed that 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Okra pure extract administered orally was more effective hypoglycemic agents in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats than orally administered Acarbose. Results of the study revealed that 250 mg/kg is the lowest effective dose capable of significantly decreasing blood glucose of diabetic rats. Accordingly, the pure extract of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) can be used as an alternative treatment for Diabetes mellitus.