Bioactive potential of beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Exploring the therapeutic potential of beetroot juice in patients with peripheral artery disease: A Narrative review

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory disorder caused by atherosclerosis, leading to the narrowing or blockage of peripheral arteries, often affecting the arteries in the lower limbs. This condition can result in intermittent claudication and severe limb ischemia, significantly reducing patients' quality of life. In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that dietary interventions play a crucial role in the prevention and management of PAD, offering a safe and non-invasive treatment option. Beetroot, a natural root vegetable, demonstrates significant health benefits through its various bioactive compounds. It is rich in nitrate and betaine, which are metabolized in the body via the nitrate-nitrite- nitric oxide (NO) pathway, increasing the bioavailability of NO. NO is an important vasodilator that can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Additionally, the active compounds in beetroot may further enhance its health effects by altering the activity of the oral microbiome. This review explores the potential therapeutic effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) in the management of PAD. The findings indicate that BRJ can improve exercise performance, lower blood pressure, improve endothelial function, enhance skeletal muscle microvascular function and central autonomic nervous system function. Based on these findings, beetroot and its rich bioactive compounds hold promise as a novel supportive therapy for improving PAD.

trans-Tiliroside and (+)-pinoresinol: polyphenols against albumin glycation, α-glucosidase activity and ROS formation, with in silico pharmacokinetic evaluation

trans-Tiliroside and (+)-pinoresinol, a flavonoid and a lignan found in plants traditionally used for diabetes mellitus care, were investigated for antidiabetic properties through in vitro and in silico studies. Four assays were conducted: Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) assay to assess inhibition of albumin glycation, α-glucosidase assay to evaluate decrease of carbohydrate digestion, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay for antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity evaluation on HT-29 cells. trans-Tiliroside showed higher inhibition of protein glycation, with IC50 values of 113.6, 71.03 and 95.73 µM against glucose, fructose and ribose-induced glycation, respectively. Moreover, trans-tiliroside demonstrated higher antioxidant capacity than (+)-pinoresinol. Both compounds showed slight α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and no cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells at 0.1-100 µM. An in silico pharmacokinetic study evaluated their bioavailability. Results suggest trans-tiliroside can act as an inhibitor of protein glycation, potentially reducing unwanted glycation reactions and preventing hyperglycaemia-related diseases.

Arachin amyloid-like fibrils and chitosan composite coatings with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities for effective preservation of perishable fruits

Plant-derived essential oil (EO) and bioactive ingredients are popular in the development of functional packaging. In this study, arachin amyloid-like fibrils (AF) and chitosan (CS) were applied to prepare the protein-polysaccharide complex (AF-CS) and combined with betanin (Bet) to construct supramolecular complex (AF-CS-Bet). Then cinnamon essential oil (CEO) was encapsulated by AF-CS and AF-CS-Bet to form Pickering emulsions (AF-CS-CEO, AF-CS-Bet-CEO). The structure, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the complexes and emulsions were investigated and their preservation effect on perishable fruits were evaluated. Results showed that the AF-CS-Bet complex exhibited an intricate network structure and the Pickering emulsions showed excellent physical stability (zeta potential >30 mV). AF-CS-Bet complex and AF-CS-Bet-CEO emulsion showed higher antioxidant activity than AF-CS and AF-CS-CEO, respectively. Meanwhile, the emulsion exhibited improved antimicrobial activities than the complexes. Particularly, AF-CS-Bet-CEO emulsion possessed stronger DPPH•- and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activities (77.16 %, 89.01 %), higher inhibition rate for E. coli (99.34 %), S. aureus (99.62 %) and B. cinerea (99.04 %). During the storage of berries, the strawberries coated with AF-CS-Bet complex maintained a better quality, while the AF-CS-Bet-CEO emulsion coatings exerted better preservation effect on the grapes. Overall, this study may provide a novel approach to design biopolymer-based active packaging.

Investigating the physicochemical properties, sensory profile and consumer acceptability of beetroot dark chocolate

BACKGROUND

The incorporation of functional food ingredients in chocolate that seek to eliminate, if not completely, most of the added sugar content, as well as the use of alternative chocolate production techniques, have gained popularity in recent years. This study aimed to incorporate red beetroot powder into dark chocolate and investigate the effect of red beetroot powder concentration and processing time in a melanger on the physicochemical properties, sensory profile and consumer acceptability of beetroot dark chocolate.

RESULTS

The addition of red beetroot powder increased the moisture content, particle size distribution and hardness of the chocolates, while the opposite was true for processing time with no effect on the colour. Except for taste, which had an average score of 3.2 ± 1.8 on the 7-point hedonic scale, consumers scored all the other sensory attributes of the chocolates above 4.0. Among the chocolates with red beetroot powder, samples with a 15% red beetroot powder addition had a high average overall acceptability score of >5, while the 30% sample scored <4.

CONCLUSION

Red beetroot powder can be used to replace sugar in dark chocolate without affecting its physicochemical properties, sensory profile or consumer acceptability. However, the target market should be considered when determining the level of red beetroot powder incorporation in terms of chocolate taste. This research has the potential to improve the overall health-promoting properties of dark chocolate by eliminating added sugar (partially or completely). It would also help to diversify beetroot utilization, allow small-scale processors to venture into chocolate production and expand the small-scale chocolate value chain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pre-harvest application of sodium nitroprusside enhances storage root quality in red beet cultivated under normal and drought conditions

BACKGROUND

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in plant stress tolerance, as well as in increasing post-harvest quality, has been extensively demonstrated in several fruits and vegetable crops; however, the effects of its pre-harvest application on post-harvest quality are still poorly documented. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of NO in red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants cultivated under well-watered and drought conditions was evaluated to assess whether it improves the post-harvest quality of their storage roots. Red beet plants cultivated under well-watered (80% of water holding capacity) or drought condition (15% of water holding capacity) were sprayed weekly with water (control) or 100 μmol L-1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Sixty-six days after sowing, red beet roots were harvested, and root yield, total sugar yield, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, root ashes, root moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, total phenolics, total betalains, betacyanins, betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity were determined.

RESULTS

While drought led to a reduction in root yield, sugars, lipids and titratable acidity, it increased phenolic compounds, betalains and the antioxidant capacity of beets. SNP reversed the negative effects of drought on sugar, lipid and organic acid contents and increased antioxidant capacity independent of stress.

CONCLUSION

Pre-harvest SNP treatment reversed drought-induced yield reductions in beets, while boosting bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. It also enhanced vitamin C content independently, indicating its dual role in stress mitigation and beet quality improvement. Future research should explore other crops and stress conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimizing beet seed germination via dielectric barrier discharge plasma parameters

This study explores the synergistic effects of gas composition and electric field modulation on beetroot seed germination using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The investigation initially focuses on the impact of air plasma exposure on germination parameters, varying both voltage and treatment duration. Subsequently, the study examines how different gas compositions (argon, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) affect germination outcomes under optimal air plasma conditions. Results indicate that plasma treatment significantly enhances germination rates and seedling growth relative to untreated controls. Notably, plasma exposure alters seed surface morphology and chemistry, increasing roughness, porosity, and hydrophilicity due to the formation of new polar functional groups. The highest germination rate (a 54.84 % increase) and germination index (a 40.11 % increase) were observed at the lowest voltage and shortest duration, whereas higher voltages and prolonged exposure reduced germination, likely due to oxidative stress. Among the tested gas environments, air plasma was most effective in enhancing water uptake and electrical conductivity, while oxygen plasma resulted in the highest germination index and marked improvements in root and shoot length. Conversely, carbon dioxide plasma treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on both germination and subsequent growth metrics. The results highlight the potential of DBD plasma technology to enhance agricultural productivity by optimizing seed germination and early growth. The study emphasizes the importance of precise parameter tuning, particularly gas composition and plasma exposure conditions, to maximize benefits while minimizing adverse effects, offering a refined approach to seed priming in agricultural practices.

Toward "clean label" processed meat using starter culture and beetroot powder: A case-study in restructured cooked ham

This study evaluated the effects of the combination of beet powder, starter culture, and sodium erythorbate as a curing agent on the chemical and microbiological characteristics of restructured cooked ham during cold storage. Five treatments were developed: the positive control group (COP) with the addition of nitrite and sodium erythorbate, negative control treatment (CON) with the addition of sodium erythorbate; ham added with beet powder (AP), ham added with beet powder and starter culture (APC), ham added with beet powder, starter culture, and sodium erythorbate (APCE). The ham's curing properties and oxidative stability were analyzed for 30 days under refrigeration. The APCE treatment showed better conversion of nitrate to nitrite at time 0 (46.6 mg/kg). The COP sample showed higher residual nitrite content at time 0 (73.1 mg/kg) and nitrosohemochrome pigment (35.67 ppm). Combining beet powder with the commercial starter culture and sodium erythorbate in the formulation of restructured cooked hams positively affected the control of lipid and protein oxidation, making it an alternative to commercial sodium nitrite. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Beetroot and arugula powders are added to the restructured cooked ham to prepare a clean-label meat product without sodium nitrite. The effects of starter culture and sodium erythorbate are also evaluated. .

Studying the Influence of Salt Concentrations on Betalain and Selected Physical and Chemical Properties in the Lactic Acid Fermentation Process of Red Beetroot

This study emphasizes the significance of optimizing salt content during the fermentation of red beetroot to produce healthier and high-quality fermented products. It investigates the impact of different salt levels on fermentation, analyzing various parameters such as pH levels, dry matter content, total acidity, salt content, color changes, pigment content, and lactic acid bacteria count. This study identifies the most favorable salt concentration for bacterial growth during fermentation and storage as 2-3%. It was evaluated that salt levels fluctuated significantly during fermentation, with nearly 50% of the added salt absorbed by the beetroot tissues, mainly when lower salt concentrations were used. The fermentation process had a negative effect on the content of betalain pigments, as well as yellow pigments, including vulgaxanthin-I. It was also found that fermentation and storage affected the proportions of red pigments, with betacyanins proving to be more stable than betaxanthins, and that salt addition affected negatively pH and total acidity while causing an increase in yellow color. The pH was negatively correlated with the duration of the process, the amount of red pigment, and bacterial count. The results indicate that lower salt levels can lead to favorable physicochemical and microbiological parameters, allowing for the production of fermented red beetroot with reduced salt content without compromising quality.

Research Progress on Bioactive Substances of Beets and Their Functions

As a globally cultivated and economic crop, beets are particularly important in the cane sugar and feed industries. Beet pigments are among the most important natural pigments, while various chemical components in beets display beneficial biological functions. Phenolic substances and betalains, as the main bioactive compounds, determine the functional characteristics of beets. This review categorizes the basic types of beets by the chemical composition of bioactive substances in their leaves, stems, and roots and emphatically summarizes the research progress made on the functions of two major substances in different types of beets: phenolic compounds and betalain pigments. This study provides useful insights for the comprehensive and effective application of beets in the health food and pharmaceutical industries.

Dietary Beetroot Juice - Effects in Patients with COPD: A Review

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exerts a severe toll on human health and the economy, with high prevalence and mortality rates. The search for bioactive components effective in the treatment of COPD has become a focal point of research. Beetroot juice, readily accessible and cost-effective, is noted for its ability to enhance athletic performance and for its preventive and therapeutic impact on hypertension. Beetroot juice is a rich source of dietary nitrates and modulates physiological processes via the nitrate-nitrite- nitric oxide pathway, exerting multiple beneficial effects such as antihypertensive, bronchodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering actions. This paper provides a review of the existing research on the effects of beetroot juice on COPD, summarizing its potential in enhancing exercise capacity, lowering blood pressure, improving vascular function, and ameliorating sleep quality among patients with COPD. The review serves as a reference for the prospective use of beetroot juice in the symptomatic improvement of COPD, as well as in the prevention of exacerbations and associated comorbidities.

Analysis of antioxidant potential of fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets

Antioxidants in fruit and vegetable juices have become increasingly popular because of their potential health benefits. Nowadays, juice mixes made from berries present frequent consumer choices, due to their nutritive value and high content of bioactive compounds. Commercial fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets (n = 32) were analyzed for the physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity. Relative antioxidant capacity index was used for the ranking of the juices according to antioxidant capacity, while antioxidant effectiveness of phenolic compounds contained in juice samples was investigated depending on phenolic antioxidant coefficients. Principal component analysis was applied to study the data structure. In addition, a multi-layer perceptron model was used for modeling an artificial neural network model (ANN) for prediction antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, and ABTS) based on total phenolic, total pigments, and vitamin C content. The obtained ANN showed good prediction capabilities (the r2 values during training cycle for output variables were 0.942). Phenolic, pigments, and vitamin C contents showed a positive correlation with the investigated antioxidant activity. The consumption of commercial berry fruit juices available in Serbian markets may deliver great health benefits through the supply of natural antioxidants.

Dried Beetroots: Optimization of the Osmotic Dehydration Process and Storage Stability

In this study, beetroots were osmotically dehydrated in sugar beet molasses. The input parameters of the drying process were varied: temperature (20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C), time (1 h, 3 h, and 5 h), and concentration of sugar beet molasses (40%, 60%, and 80%). Basic quality indicators were determined for the dried beetroot samples: dry matter content, water loss, solid gain, mineral and betaine content, and phenols and flavonoids, as well as antioxidant potential. After optimizing the results, favorable drying parameters were selected: temperature 60 °C, molasses concentration 70%, and processing time 5 h. According to the optimal drying conditions, the beetroots were dried and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Half of the dried samples were coated with an edible biopolymer coating based on Camelina sativa oilcake, while the other half of the samples remained uncoated. The sustainability study aimed to confirm the effects of the biopolymer coating on the quality and sustainability of the osmotically dried beetroots.

Beetroot extract@chitosan nanocomposite as a promising approach towards cancer therapy

The exceptional antioxidant properties of beetroot (BR) and the cancer antiproliferative effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) have led to the synthesis of a BR@CS nanocomposite (NC) in this study. The novel BR@CS NC was applied to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), human epithelial ductal breast carcinoma (T-47D), and human epithelial lung carcinoma (A549) cells. SEM characterization of CS NP revealed a variety of particle shapes ranging from 20 to 58 nm in diameter. UV-VIS analysis confirmed the formation of the BR@CS NC, while FTIR analysis demonstrated strong hydrogen bonds between CS NP and BR. These bonds reduced the positive surface charge of CS NP, as indicated by zeta potential analysis. When applied to cancer cell lines at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, the BR@CS NC successfully eradicated 89 % of A549, 88 % of T-47D, and 83 % of Caco-2 cell lines. The cell death mode exhibited extensive, apoptotic, and massive necrotic changes in all cell lines treated with BR@CS NC. Caspase 3 (CasP3) and P53 levels were elevated in BR@CS NC-treated cells. This study merges BR's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with the antiangiogenic mechanism and inhibition of tumors by CS NP, resulting in a unique and innovative strategy for cancer treatment.

The Cardioprotective Role of Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

Nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic radical produced by both the non-enzymatic nitrate (NO3-)-nitrite (NO2-)-NO pathway and enzymatic reactions catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Also, as nitrate and nitrite from dietary and other endogenous sources can be reduced back to nitric oxide in vivo, the endogenous NO level can be increased through the consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. Ingestion of dietary NO3- has beneficial effects which have been attributed to a subsequent increase in NO: a signaling molecule that may regulate various systems, including the cardiovascular system. A diet rich in NO3- from green leafy and root vegetables has cardioprotective effects, with beetroot products being particularly good sources of NO3-. For example, various studies have demonstrated a significant increase in nitrite levels (regarded as markers of NO) in plasma after the intake of beetroot juice. The present review describes the current literature concerning the role of nitrate-rich vegetables (especially beetroot products) in the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, Sci Finder, Web of Science, and SCOPUS.

Is There a Role of Beetroot Consumption on the Recovery of Oxidative Status and Muscle Damage in Ultra-Endurance Runners?

(1) Background: Ultra-endurance exercise involves a high physical impact, resulting in muscle damage, inflammatory response and production of free radicals that alter the body's oxidative state. Supplementation with antioxidants, such as beetroot, may improve recovery in ultra-endurance runners. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between beetroot intake and recovery of serum oxidative status, inflammatory response and muscle damage parameters after an ultra-endurance race. (2) Methods: An observational and longitudinal study was conducted by means of surveys and blood samples collected from 32 runners during the IX Penyagolosa Trails CSP®® race and the two following days. The variables C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), the activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as the oxidative damage markers malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl groups (CG) and loss of muscle strength using the squat jump (SJ) test were analyzed to discriminate whether beetroot consumption can modulate the recovery of ultra-trail runners. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed between runners who ingested beetroot and those who did not, in terms of oxidative status, specifically in serum GPx activity at 24 and 48 h, muscle damage variables CK and LDH and regarding the SJ test results at the finish line. Therefore, the intake of supplements containing beetroot positively influences the recovery of serum oxidative status and muscle damage after ultra-endurance running.

Investigating the effect of red beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the bioactive compounds composition and antioxidant capacity of beetroot dark chocolate

BACKGROUND

The development of functional foods is receiving increased recognition as a result of the general interest in healthy diets as part of a healthier lifestyle. This project sought to incorporate red beetroot in dark chocolate and investigate the effect of beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the chocolates' bioactive compound composition, antioxidant capacity, and sugar content.

RESULTS

The results showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as betalains and vitamin C in the red beetroot with relatively high antioxidant capacity. The addition of beetroot powder to dark chocolate increased the majority of the bioactive compounds (e.g. catechin, epicatechin, betalains, vitamin C) while at the same time increasing the antioxidant capacity. It also resulted in a decrease in sugar content. Except for vitamin C, processing for more than 12 h had an increasing effect on the majority of the bioactive compounds. Beetroot powder incorporation at a maximum of 30% and processing for 24 h was regarded as optimal.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present study suggests that red beetroot powder could be added to dark chocolates and processed for more than 12 h to increase the bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant capacity. This research would help to diversify beetroot utilization, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the overall health-promoting properties of dark chocolate for improved consumer well-being. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chitosan-Based Nanogels Designed for Betanin-Rich Beetroot Extract Transport: Physicochemical and Biological Aspects

Nanotechnology has emerged as a possible solution to improve phytochemicals' limitations. The objective of the present study was to encapsulate beetroot extract (BR Ext) within a chitosan (CS)-based nanogel (NG) designed via ionic crosslinking with tripolyphosphate (TPP) for betanin (Bet) delivery, mainly in the ophthalmic environment. BR Ext is rich in betanin (Bet) according to thin layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible spectroscopy, and HPLC analysis. NG presented a monodisperse profile with a size of 166 ± 6 nm and low polydispersity (0.30 ± 0.03). ζ potential (ζ-Pot) of +28 ± 1 is indicative of a colloidally stable system. BR Ext encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 45 ± 3%. TEM, with the respective 3D-surface plots and AFM, showed spherical-elliptical-shaped NG. The BR Ext release profile was biphasic with a burst release followed by slow and sustained phase over 12 h. Mucoadhesion assay demonstrated interactions between NG with mucin. Moreover, NG provided photoprotection and pH stability to BR Ext. FRAP and ABTS assays confirmed that BR Ext maintained antioxidant activity into NG. Furthermore, in vitro assays using human retinal cells displayed absence of cytotoxicity as well as an efficient protection against injury agents (LPS and H2O2). NGs are a promising platform for BR Ext encapsulation, exerting controlled release for ophthalmological use.

Effect of Betanin, the Major Pigment of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), on the Activity of Recombinant Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Most of the currently available drugs are derived from natural sources, but they are used only after extensive chemical modifications to improve their safety and efficacy. Natural products are used in health supplements and cosmetic preparations and have been used as auxiliary drugs or alternative medicines. When used in combination with conventional drugs, these herbal products are known to alter their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, reducing their therapeutic effects. Moreover, herb-drug interactions (HDIs) may have serious side effects, which is one of the major concerns in health practice. It is postulated that HDIs affect the pathways regulating cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). Betanin, the chief pigment of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), has various types of pharmacological activity, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. However, the potential risk of HDIs for betanin has not yet been studied. Thus, we aimed to predict more specific HDIs by evaluating the effects of betanin on CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4), the major phase I metabolic enzymes, using fluorescence-/luminescence-based assays. Our results showed that betanin inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 20.97 µΜ). Moreover, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, as confirmed by evaluating Lineweaver-Burk plots (Ki value = 19.48 µΜ). However, no significant inhibitory effects were observed on other CYPs. Furthermore, betanin had no significant effect on CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP2C9 induction in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, and thus it should be used cautiously with other drugs that require metabolic enzymes as substrates. Additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the HDIs of betanin.

Rutin: Family Farming Products' Extraction Sources, Industrial Applications and Current Trends in Biological Activity Protection

In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the bioactivity of rutin, a dietary flavonol naturally found in several plant species. Despite widespread knowledge of its numerous health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and cardiovascular effects, industrial use of rutin is still limited due to its low solubility in aqueous media, the characteristic bitter and astringent taste of phenolic compounds and its susceptibility to degradation during processing. To expand its applications and preserve its biological activity, novel encapsulation systems have been developed. This review presents updated research on the extraction sources and methodologies of rutin from fruit and vegetable products commonly found in a regular diet and grown using family farming approaches. Additionally, this review covers quantitative analysis techniques, encapsulation methods utilizing nanoparticles, colloidal and heterodisperse systems, as well as industrial applications of rutin.