Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Polysaccharides From Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract Okra is a rich source of polysaccharides with notable biological activities, including α-amylase inhibition, which supports diabetes management. Its polysaccharides, with applications in packaging and as thickeners, were extracted optimally using hot water at a 1:60 sample-to-solvent ratio, 70 °C, for 3 hours, yielding 4.23 g/100 g of raw material. The dried okra powder contained 8.04 % moisture, 38.67 g/100 g total fiber, 19.44 g/100 g protein, and 2.85 ± 0.08 g/100g DW of reducing sugars, total polysaccharides, and pectin at 2.85 g/100 g, 65.84 g/100 g, and 14.58 g/100 g, respectively, with a soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of 0.74. The extracted polysaccharides had a moisture content of 9.08 %, with the soluble fiber recovery yield at 11.40 %. The α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity of the polysaccharides was IC50 = 111.46 µg/mL, lower than Acarbose, and the OPs’ viscosity dwindled when increasing rotation speed, which exhibited the pseudoplastic behaviour.