Abelmoschus esculentus

Abelmoschus esculentus
(Linn.)Moench.
Synonym Hibiscus esculentus Linn.
Family Malvaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical Africa;
cultivated throughout India, up to
, m.
English Gumbo, Lady Finger, Okra.
Ayurvedic Bhaandi, Bhindaka,
Bhendaa.
Unani Baamiyaa.
Siddha/Tamil Vendai.
Folk Bhindi, Raamturai.
Action Immature pods (decoction)—
emollient, demulcent and
diuretic (in catarrhal affections,
ardor urine, dysuria, dysentery).
Seeds—antispasmodic.
Fatty fraction of the fresh watery extract
of the seeds causes destruction
of cancerous cell growth in vitro. The
pods are reported to exhibit antitumour
activity. An ethanolic extract
of pods was effective against Grampositive
bacteria.
The ripe fruits contain quercetin,
hyperin (hyperoside), hydrolysate of
precipitated mucilage, proanthocyanidins,
D-glucose, D-glucuronic and
galacturonic acids.
Fresh flowers contain flavonol glycosides
and anthocyanins.