Anti Diabetic and Anti Hypercholesterolemia Potential of Abelmoschus Esculentus (Okra) Functional Beverage with Ginger Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is projected to increase. Okra, ginger, and stevia have potential properties to improve the metabolic effect of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic and anti hypercholesterolemia effects of okra-functional drinks in diabetic mice. Twenty-four male mice were divided randomly into four groups of control, okra, diabetes, diabetes + okra. In this experimental study, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Okra juice was combined with stevia and ginger extract in a 75:22:3 ratio and administered orally for twelve days. Bodyweight, blood glucose, and cholesterol total were then measured. Okra beverage significantly decreased blood glucose (p<0.05), and it maintained weight in diabetic mice.  However, okra showed no effect on cholesterol. This result indicates that okra seemed to be a blood glucose-lowering agent but not possesses lipid-lowering properties.