Evaluation of antihyperglycemic effect of dried Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seed infusion alone and in combination with antidiabetic drugs in Wistar rats

Background: Diabetes is a major health challenge, particularly in low-income countries. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), widely consumed in Côte d'Ivoire, is traditionally used to help reduce blood sugar. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of an infusion of dried Okra seeds in rats, both alone and in combination with conventional antidiabetics (metformin and gliclazide). Materials and Methods: A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical characterization was performed. The antihyperglycemic activity was tested in vivo on Wistar rats subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Eight groups of rats with six (6) animals per experimental group were constituted: controls, treated with okra alone (195 mg/kg), metformin (10 mg/kg), gliclazide (100 mg/kg), and combinations of Okra 195 mg/kg + metformin 10 mg/kg and okra 195 mg/kg + gliclazide 100 mg/kg. Results: Administration of the Okra seed infusion (195 mg/kg) alone, which contained flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, sterols, polyterpenes, and quinones, was not capable reducing orally induced hyperglycemia. Its combination with metformin (10 mg/kg) was safe, bringing blood glucose to 0.85 g/dL at T120, while with gliclazide (100 mg/kg), marked hypoglycemic effect, with glucose levels dropping to -31.15% below baseline at 120 min. Conclusion: The infusion of dried Okra grains lacks significant antihyperglycemic potential on its own. Its combination with metformin appears beneficial in a nutritional approach. Great caution is advised with concomitant use of sulfonylureas due to the risk of hypoglycemia. Further studies are recommended to explore molecular mechanisms and long-term effects.