INTRODUCTION: Okra is reported to have anti-diabetic effects, but the literature shows conflicting results. The experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of three doses of okra seed powder suspension as a glucose lowering agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its cellular effects on the liver and pancreas. METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats that were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally were randomly allocated to one of five treatment groups: okra seed powder at 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, acarbose (positive control) and vehicle only (negative control). The treatments were given as a 1.5 mL oral gavage daily for 21 days. Significant differences in blood glucose were determined between treatment groups in terms of relative change from baseline, using One-Way ANOVA with Dunnett’s method with acarbose as the referent group. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the blood glucose levels across the time point collections (baseline, T1 and T2). Histopathologic changes on the liver and pancreas were described using counts and proportions. RESULTS: Mean blood glucose values increased from baseline to T2 in all treatment groups. Increasing trend was observed only up to T1 in the 150 mg/kg and the 200 mg/kg okra seed treatment groups. Comparing okra treatment groups to acarbose, the percentage increase of mean blood glucose from baseline to T2 was lowest in the 200 mg/kg okra group (p = 0.040). The okra-treated rats had no fatty change and a dose-dependent decrease in cellular degeneration in the liver and none for the 200 mg/ kg treatment group. CONCLUSION The 200 mg/kg okra suspension has a potential lowering effect on blood glucose and a hepatoprotective effect. A longer period of observation with higher doses of okra suspension is recommended to study these effects further.

BACKGROUND: Microplastics pose a significant environmental and health threat, yet the understanding and response of young adults to this issue remain underexplored. There is an increasing amount of microplastics in our environment and as the numbers grow, the danger that comes with it is still not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young adults in Muntinlupa, particularly students of a public university regarding microplastics and their health implications. METHODS: Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research targeted college students aged 18 and older. RESULTS: Findings revealed that while students were knowledgeable about microplastics—particularly their harmful effects on health—attitudes and practices related to plastic disposal and recycling could be improved. Although the majority engaged in proper garbage disposal, only 41.5% consistently separated plastic waste from biodegradable materials. However, a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes was observed, suggesting that increased awareness may enhance positive attitudes toward reducing microplastic pollution. CONCLUSION These results suggest that while students are aware of microplastics and generally responded positively, there remains a gap in the translation of knowledge into practices, highlighting the need for enhanced educational interventions.
Microplastics ; knowledge ; attitudes ; young adult