Okra-derived antiviral composition and uses thereof

A method of decreasing the endocytosis of a virus into a eukaryotic cell, the method comprising:

• contacting the cell with an okra-derived composition in the presence of the virus.

A method of decreasing replication of viral DNA in a eukaryotic cell infected by a virus, the method comprising:

• contacting said cell infected with said virus with an okra-derived composition.

A method of preventing viral infection in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of an okra-derived composition to the subject at a site of anticipated viral infection.

A method of reducing the likelihood of viral transmission in a sample of spermatozoa from a donor, the method comprising:

• (a) providing the sample from the donor, wherein said donor is infected with or at risk for infection of a sexually transmitted virus;
• and (b) introducing the sample to a storage medium comprising an okra-derived composition.

A method of artificial insemination, the method comprising inseminating a subject with a suspension of spermatozoa wherein said spermatozoa were obtained from a donor having or at risk for infection of a sexually transmitted virus, the suspension comprising an okra-derived composition and a multiplicity of spermatozoa.

A method of isolating spermatozoa from semen obtained from a subject having or at risk for infection of a sexually transmitted virus while reducing the likelihood of transmission of said virus, the method comprising:

• (a) contacting a semen sample with a volume of an okra-derived composition;
• (b) allowing sufficient time for a multiplicity of spermatozoa in the semen sample to penetrate into the okra-derived composition to create a sperm suspension in the okra-derived composition;
• and (c) separating the sperm suspension from the semen sample.

A pharmaceutical composition, comprising:

• a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of an okra-derived composition sufficient to achieve a concentration of the okra-derived composition at a site of viral infection.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising extracting a fruit of Abelmoschus esculentus in water and separating a substantially clear fluid from the extract.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising:

• (a) extracting a fruit of A. esculentus in an aqueous medium, to produce a first extract;
• (b) separating a substantially clear mucilaginous fluid from the first extract;
• and (c) straining the first extract through one or more pores having an effective pore size of about 1 mm or less.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition has all of the properties of a Spinnbarkeit of at least about 10 cm when measured according to the test disclosed herein;

• displays ferning when subjected to the fern test;
• lacks visible green coloration;
• and when a semen sample is subjected to a sperm-mucus penetration test using the clear mucilaginous fluid in place of cervical mucus, spermatozoa that penetrate into the clear mucilaginous fluid have a significantly better indication of fertility than do sperm in the semen sample.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising boiling the fruit of A. esculentus in the aqueous medium.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising contacting the fruit of A. esculentus with an aqueous medium at a temperature of about 4° C. for about 4 hours.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising contacting the fruit of A. esculentus with an aqueous medium comprising bicarbonate-buffered human tubal fluid.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising contacting the fruit of A. esculentus with an aqueous medium comprising bicarbonate-buffered human tubal fluid and mammalian serum albumin.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising contacting the fruit of A. esculentus with an aqueous medium comprising an antibiotic.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising contacting the fruit of A. esculentus with an aqueous medium comprising an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of:

• penicillin, streptomycin, and a combination thereof.

Any one of the claims above, wherein the okra-derived composition is a product of a process comprising extracting the fruit of A. esculentus in an aqueous medium comprising penicillin, streptomycin, or combinations thereof to produce a first extract.