The Role of Abelmoschus esculentus in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Overview

Aim and Background: Type 2 diabetes is one of the chronic endocrine disorders that occurs due to impaired insulin function and consequently hyperglycemia. Okra is one of the effective medicinal plants that contains antioxidant compounds and fiber. Given the positive effects of okra in managing diabetes and its complications, this plant can be used as a complementary treatment alongside common drugs. This review existing studies on the role of okra in regulating high blood sugar caused by diabetes and its potential as a medicinal plant to improve the complications of this disease. Methods: This study was designed and conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. In order to find studies, a comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases using keywords such as "okra", "Abelmoschus esculentus", "bamieh", "Bhindi", "diabetes mellitus", "type 2 diabetes", and. This search continued until April 2025 and focused on studies examining the relationship between okra consumption and type 2 diabetes. Results : In the beginning, 333 articles were extracted from different databases. Then 317 articles were excluded due to irrelevance to the topic, inappropriate population, study type, and weaknesses in the methodology. 16 remaining studies were included in the review. According to the results of the studies, in most studies, okra had a significant effect on reducing fasting blood sugar. In addition, despite inconclusive results, a number of studies showed a reduction in HbA1c and insulin resistance after okra consumption. Despite the inconsistent and contradictory results of various studies regarding the effects of this plant on blood sugar control in diabetic patients, okra has shown high potential in reducing blood sugar and managing diabetes. Conclusion : Okra, as a medicinal plant, has shown high potential in controlling blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes.