Anticholesterol Activity of Okra Fruit Extract (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) and Its Nanoemulsion in vivo

Background: Okra fruit has phytosterol, pectin that has the potential as an anticholesterol. Objective: The purpose of this study was to obtain 70% (v/v) ethanol extract of okra fruit and its nanoparticles and to evaluate their anti-cholesterol activity in vivo. Material and Methods: Okra fruit was extracted by kinetic maceration and the produced extract was tested for phytochemical screening and anti-cholesterolemi activity in vivo. The nanoparticles was prepared using a cosolvention method. In this study, DDY white mice was divided into 5 groups, namely normal control, negative control, positive control (simvastatin), the extract (400 mg /kg BW), and the nanoparticles (~ 400 mg /kg BW) group. All groups except normal were fed for 14 days with high cholesterol diet. After 14 days, the induction of hypercholesterolemia was stopped and simvastatin was administrated to positive control and the test groups were treated with the extract and the nanoparticles for 7 days. Measurement of total cholesterol level was carried out by cholesterol stripe test method. Results: The nanoparticles used demonstrated particle size of 134.7 nm and zeta potential of -26.72. The results showed a decrease in total cholesterol levels in positive control, the extract and the nanoparticles group as many as 48.68%; 32.44% and 42.95%, respectively. Conclusion: The nanoparticles can increase the activity of the extract.