Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Background: Abelmoschus esculentus L. or okra is a vegetable of Malvaceae family.

Aim: Okra seeds were dried at 60°C, ground, and extracted by using absolute ethanol. The acquired extract was investigated for chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, anti-tyrosinase activity, and anti-oxidant property.

Results: Total phenolic content was equal to 4.6 mg gallic acid/g dry weight, as constituted by tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Saponins and terpenoids were also existent. Based on molecular ion (M⁺) peaks of GC-MS, long chain fatty acids and their esters (~59%), as well as sterols and their derivatives (~40%) were identified as major components. Glutathione was of 2.5 mg/g dry weight. The anti-tyrosinase activity was equivalent to 15 mg ascorbic acid/g dry weight. The extract was nontoxic to cells of normal fibroblast L929, and exhibited the DPPH radical scavenging activity as well as the ferric reducing antioxidant power, which respectively equivalent to 350 µmol trolox and 170 µmol Fe²⁺ per g dry weight. Lotions (o/w) containing 1-7% w/w extract were physically and chemically stable over a 6-heating/cooling cycles-period of the stability test. Transdermal penetration of the lotion excipients and active compounds of the extract was not detected according to the Franz-type skin permeation study.

Conclusion: Cosmeceuticals containing Abelmoschus esculentus L. seed extract might be useful for whitening effect and to delay skin aging.