Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus · Lady's Finger · Bhindi

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Type 2 diabetes glycemic control^1–3 Dyslipidemia⁴ Body weight and body mass index^{1, 5–9} Liver enzyme levels⁵ Functional constipation (blend)^{10, 11} Meibomian gland dysfunction¹² Demodex blepharitis¹³	Pregnancy and lactation¹⁴ Use in children¹⁴

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a mucilage-rich pod vegetable, also sold as extract or powder, that supplies fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc¹⁵. It is also used for functional constipation, as a blend with ashwagandha root, and as a topical eyelid patch for meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex blepharitis. The typical patient is an adult with type 2 diabetes continuing standard therapy².

In type 2 diabetes, one meta-analysis of randomized trials found lower fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Another meta-analysis in pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes found lower fasting glucose without a change in glycated hemoglobin^{1, 3}. The constipation trials tested a proprietary okra and ashwagandha blend, not okra alone. In rats, a 2026 toxicology study of that blend found no toxicity or genotoxicity¹⁶. Products listing okra number 169 in the National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplement Label Database, mostly powders and capsules; see Form comparison.

A minority of United States product labels advise against use during pregnancy and lactation¹⁴. Per United States product labels, individuals taking medication are asked to discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional¹⁴.

Last updated October 15, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

45 sources, 39 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources