The present review aimed to compile up to date and comprehensive information of Abelmoschus esculentus with special emphasis on its phytochemistry, various scientifically documented pharmacological activities, traditional and folk medicine uses. It is one amongst these, found all over the world. It is traditional vegetable crop with considerable area under cultivation in Africa and Asia with huge socio-economic potential in west and central Africa. It has been called a perfect villager’s vegetable because of its robust nature. This review describes a general overview of okra nutritional economic potential with special reference to it past and recent progress on germplasm regeneration, genetic studies and efforts on genetic improvement in west and central Africa. It plays an important role in good diet and is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes and total minerals. It is an important vegetable crop widely grown in tropical, subtropical and warm temperature regions of world. The fruit or pods containing seeds are harvested when immature and are eaten as vegetables.

Key words: Plant profile, Synonym of okra, Morphological characters, varieties and Pharmacological activities of okra