Okra...and so what?

OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus, Fam. Malvaceae) is a multipurpose crop because of the usefulness its fresh leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems and seeds.

MEDICINAL USES

1. The mucilage obtained from cooking okra fruits can be used as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander
2. Okra mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the liver
3. Okra seeds are potential sources of oil with concentrations varying from 20% to 40% which consists of linoleic acid up to 47.4%. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for human nutrition. Hence, Okra is a great source of Linoleic acid. (1,2)
4. It is rich in dietary fibre (1,2). Its seeds are rich in protein (containing lysine and tryptophan) and ethanol extract possesses antioxidants (1,3). These qualities make it effective in preventing kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. It is also known as a powerful anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering agent. Thus it can help in preventing heart diseases.
5. The Okra fruits are rich in folic acid, vitamins, calcium and potassium hence they are very good in maintaining healthy pregnancy
6. The infusion of the roots is used in the treatment of Syphillis while the juice of the roots is used externally in Nepal to treat cuts, wounds, and boils. The leaves have an excellent emollient property.
7. A decoction of the immature capsule is demulcent, diuretic and emollient. It is used in the treatment of catarrhal infections, dysuria and gonorrhea.
8. The seeds are antispasmodic, cordial and stimulant. Thus they find use in persons managing painful menstrual cramps. Years ago, okra seeds were used as tea in place of coffea when the latter was in short supply.
9. An infusion of the roasted seeds has sudorific properties.
10. Okra fresh juice possesses antibacterial effect against helicobacter pylori which is responsible for peptic ulcer disease. Thus persons trying to treat peptic ulcer will find the okra juice a cheap rememdy.

NOTE: The methanolic (not ethanolic) extract may cause adverse effects to the male testes.

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