Abstract

Increasing evidences suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of diabetes complications. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that act via lowering of postprandial glucose leading to reduce insulin requirement are currently very attractive. The present study investigated some possible mechanisms of hypoglycemic action of different parts (Whole Okra ‘WO’; Okra Peel ‘OP’ and Okra Seed ‘OS’) of Ex-maradi Okra fruit variety in the management of diabetes mellitus in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Standard analytical procedures were employed in the study. The results indicated that various parts of Okra fruit have ability to stimulate glycogen synthesis in the liver and delay intestinal absorption of glucose with very significant glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) and high glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Histological examination of the pancreatic tissue after administration of Okra fruit revealed evidence of pancreatic islets cells regeneration. These results suggest that the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic effect of Okra fruit is multidimensional and might involve increase glycogenesis, delay glucose absorption and pancreatic islets regeneration leading to increase insulin secretion. These might help control postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.

Key words: Diabetes, Glycogen, Glucose, Hyperglycemia, Okra