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| Characterization and Phytochemical Property of Okra Fruits |
Abideen Adeyinka Adekanmi, Oyekanmi Hidayat Adeola, Uthman Taiwo Adekanmi, Muraina Taoreed Adekunle, Opeyemi Shafiu Adekanmi, Sherifdeen Adeniyi Adekanmi
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Abstract:
The Okra crop is of significant nutritional value. It contains a high percentage of water, averaging 85%, total fat of 0.5%, protein content of 4% and 5.4% carbohydrate. The carbohydrate is present as cellulose, starch in small quantity and sugar. It also contains non-cellulose, non-starch, polysaccharides. Proteins play a particularly important role in human nutrition. Determination of okra for qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals properties and characterization of its mucilage were conducted using standard methods. The results of the characterization showed: Solubility (sparingly soluble in water and insoluble in acetone and ethanol), pH (6.9±0.22), viscosity (245.58±0.03) and swelling ratio (3.4±0.03). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Tannins, Steroids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Alkaloids, Anthraquinones, Phenol, Terpenoids, Cardiac Glycosides and Cardenoids. Quantitatively okra contained (%) Flavanoids (12.54), Saponins (18.33) and Alkaloids (10.53) while the estimated quantity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts are 17.43 and 14.65%. The presence of phytochemical in the okra suggests possible preventive and curative property of the lemon grass. Medically, the presence of these phytochemicals explains the use of the plant in ethno-medicine for the management of various ailments.
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