Abstract:
Background: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely consumed plant with considerable nutritional and medicinal potential. Its bioactive constituents have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may contribute to its potential health-promoting effects. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of methanol and ethanol extracts of okra.
Methods: Okra samples were extracted using methanol and ethanol. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was determined, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening was also performed to identify major classes of bioactive compounds present in the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the inhibition of protein denaturation assay, with diclofenac serving as the reference standard.
Results: The ethanol extract demonstrated a higher total phenolic content and stronger antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays compared with the methanol extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides, while steroids were not detected. The extracts also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential through inhibition of protein denaturation. The ethanol extract achieved approximately 58% inhibition, showing activity comparable to that of the diclofenac standard.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that okra extracts possess promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the ethanol extract showing comparatively greater activity. The observed activities may be associated with the phenolic compounds and diverse phytochemicals identified in the extracts. These findings support the potential of okra as a source of bioactive compounds with possible applications in the development of functional foods or natural therapeutic agents. Further studies are warranted to characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these activities and to investigate their mechanisms of action.
Biography:
Aikins Boamah is a Biochemistry graduate and researcher with an interest in biomedical research, particularly cancer biology, molecular biology, and the investigation of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. He has research experience in laboratory-based studies involving antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer investigations. He is affiliated with the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, where he has gained experience in molecular and biomedical research. He is passionate about advancing scientific research and contributing to improved health outcomes through innovative and evidence-based approaches.
