Evaluation of Antioxidative Effects of Okra-Based Antidiabetic Nutraceutical Formulation from the Ex-Maradi Variety of Abelmoschus esculentus

Abstract

Nutraceuticals with potent antioxidant properties offer a promising approach for managing various oxidative stress-related disorders, including diabetes. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potentials of our previously developed okra-based nutraceutical from the Ex-Maradi variety of Abelmoschus esculentus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the formulation were assessed by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and its scavenging activities against DPPH, superoxide (O2*-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, in vivo antioxidant parameters including “SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MDA, and essential antioxidant minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe) in both the serum and tissue homogenates of the diabetic rats were also evaluated. The formulation exhibited good TPC (61.84 ± 5.31 mgGAE/g) and TFC (18.31 ± 2.17 mgQE/g) content. I also demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activities with low IC50 values of (0.086 ± 0.022, 0.064 ± 0.014, and 0.16 ± 0.03) mg/mL against DPPH, O₂*⁻ and H2O2 respectively. In vivo, administration of the formulation at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for three weeks significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the elevated blood glucose and MDA levels in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Additionally, it improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and increased the concentrations of antioxidant minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) compared to the diabetic control group. These findings highlight the nutraceutical formulation's potent antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic option for managing diabetes and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, nutraceutical formulation, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress, and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats.