Okra: A Powerful Tool for Diabetes Control
Okra fruit extract has been evaluated for its antidiabetic activity. The study included preliminary tests on the antihyperglycemia activity of okra fruit after glucose, sucrose, and starch administration. It also evaluated the antidiabetic activity in insulin deficiency and insulin resistance animal models, as well as the inhibition activity of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes. The results showed that okra fruit extract had antihyperglycemia activity and could decrease blood glucose levels in insulin deficiency and insulin resistance animal models. However, it did not show significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes. The study concluded that okra fruit extract has antidiabetic activity by increasing insulin secretion, increasing insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting carbohydrate absorption in the intestine.
The mechanisms of action of okra fruit extract as an antidiabetic involve multiple factors. Firstly, okra fruit extract has been found to increase insulin secretion. This means that it can stimulate the pancreas to produce and release more insulin, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
Secondly, okra fruit extract has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity refers to the body’s ability to effectively use insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. By enhancing insulin sensitivity, okra fruit extract helps improve glucose uptake by cells, leading to better blood sugar control.
Furthermore, okra fruit extract has been found to inhibit carbohydrate absorption in the intestine. This means that it can limit the absorption of sugar from the intestinal tract, resulting in lower blood sugar levels after consuming carbohydrates.
Additionally, okra fruit extract contains fiber groups such as α-cellulose and hemicellulose. These fibers can help stabilize blood sugar levels by limiting the absorption of sugar in the intestinal tract.
Overall, the mechanisms of action of okra fruit extract as an antidiabetic involve increasing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting carbohydrate absorption in the intestine, all of which contribute to better blood sugar control.
Yes, according to the provided context, okra fruit extract did inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes. The study evaluated the inhibition activity of these enzymes using varying concentrations of okra fruit extract. The results showed that the higher the concentration of okra fruit extract, the higher the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzymes. This is because the okra fruit extract contains secondary metabolites that have the ability to inhibit the action of the alpha-glucosidase enzyme. However, the specific inhibition activity of okra fruit extract on alpha-amylase enzymes is not mentioned in the given context.
In the insulin deficiency and insulin resistance animal models, the findings showed that the administration of okra fruit extract had positive effects. After 14 days of induction, the insulin sensitivity, as measured by the constant insulin tolerance test (CITT), improved significantly in the group treated with okra fruit extract compared to the negative control group. The CITT value increased by 22% in the positive control group and by 78% in the group treated with metformin. This indicates that okra fruit extract has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity in insulin deficiency and insulin resistance animal models. Additionally, the study found that the change in CITT value was -15% in the negative control group, suggesting a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Overall, the findings suggest that okra fruit extract may be beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity in animal models of insulin deficiency and insulin resistance.
The results of the antihyperglycemia tests showed that the administration of okra fruit extract had significant effects in reducing blood glucose levels. The study compared the blood glucose levels of different groups after starch administration. The negative control group had blood glucose levels ranging from 87±3 mg/dl to 71±1 mg/dl at different time points. In contrast, the positive control group treated with acarbose showed blood glucose levels ranging from 84±3 mg/dl to 88±13 mg/dl. The groups treated with different doses of okra fruit extract (OFE) showed varying results. The group treated with 25 mg/kg bw OFE had blood glucose levels ranging from 86±8 mg/dl to 133±5 mg/dl. The group treated with 50 mg/kg bw OFE had blood glucose levels ranging from 85±13 mg/dl to 90±23 mg/dl. The group treated with 100 mg/kg bw OFE had blood glucose levels ranging from 88±10 mg/dl to 137±11 mg/dl. Lastly, the group treated with 200 mg/kg bw OFE had blood glucose levels ranging from 88±13 mg/dl to 125±14 mg/dl. The results indicate that okra fruit extract, at different doses, was able to significantly reduce blood glucose levels compared to the positive control group. These findings suggest that okra fruit extract has antihyperglycemic effects and may be beneficial in managing high blood glucose levels.
