Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench.

Synonym:

Hibiscus esculentus Linn.

Family:

Malvaceae.

Habitat:

Native to tropical Africa; cultivated throughout India, up to 1,350 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 Gram-positive 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.