Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pod is known as the polysaccharide-rich vegetable. The
polysaccharides from natural sources were recently used in various purposes in food,
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics formulations. In the recent study, hot water extraction of
polysaccharide from okra pod was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM).
The extracted polysaccharides were determined for their percentage of yield and ABTS•+
radical scavenging activity. The optimum polysaccharide yield of 26.35% (w/w) was
obtained when using extraction condition of 95°C for 5 h at pH 7. The optimum ABTS
radical scavenging activity of 78.03 mg trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g
was achieved when using the condition with 90°C for 3 h duration at pH 9. It can be seen
that temperature was high significant to the extraction potential, while the time was not
significant. The pH was also significant to the total polysaccharide content and antioxidant
capacity. All experiments showed closely related to the predicted values. The percentage
error of experimental polysaccharide yield and antioxidant capacity were 0.99 and 0.49%,
respectively, when compare to those of predicted values. Therefore, the RSM could be
applied for extraction optimization of okra polysaccharide which is a promising natural
active ingredient for food, pharmaceuticals as well as cosmetics production.
