The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) extract supplementation on glycemic control, inflammation, kidney function, and expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, TGF-β, and Nrf-2 genes in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of okra extract supplementation on kidney function, glycemic control, inflammation, and gene expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of 64 DN patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a 125-mg capsule of dried okra extract (DOE) (n=32) or placebo (n=32) for 10 weeks. At the baseline and endpoint of the trial, kidney function, glycemic indices, inflammation, and gene expression were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that fasting blood glucose (FBG), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and insulin resistance significantly reduced in the DOE group although between-group analysis did not show any significant difference. Also, no significant difference was observed in urine protein, urine creatinine, and hs-CRP between the two groups. Furthermore, gene expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, TGF-β, and Nrf-2 did not affect the end of the trial in comparison with the baseline. According to the present study, DOE did not have impressive effects on kidney function, inflammation, glycemic management, and gen expression in patients with DN.