Possible role of beetroot extract in lowering overweight in male rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT Overweight is an important health problem, which has led to reduce life expectancy. It increases the risk of many serious diseases. Diet rich in bioactive compounds such as antioxidants provide natural protection against overweight and its complications. Beetroot has a high nutritive value and is a rich source of vitamins A, B, K, E, C and folic acid besides several minerals such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper and selenium, it also has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a promising therapy option for a variety of ailments. Therefore, the present study conducted to assess the mitigating effects of beetroot extract against overweight and its complications in heart, kidney and liver of male rats. The experimental work was designed to cover pretreatment (2 months), treatment (2 months) periods, Sixty Wistar male rats weighing 120-140 g (12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two groups. The basal diet was fed to the first major group of 30 rats, which was subsequently separated into three subgroups. The second major group of 30 rats was fed a high-fat diet (HFD) (the basal diet 80% plus 20 % fat (tallow 10% + corn oil 10%)), for eight weeks before being separated into three subgroups. Six groups of rats were created (each group had10 rats). The first group received no treatment (control), the second received 15 ml/kg b.wt, beetroot extract (BRE), the third received 30 ml/kg b.wt,(BRE), the fourth no treatment (overweight), the fifth overweight + 15 ml/kg b. w BRE, and the sixth group overweight + 30 ml/kg b. w (BRE). Rats fed (HFD)daily only during the pretreatment period (daily for 2 months); while (BRE) (15,30 ml/kg b.wt) were given orally gavage once daily during the treatment period(daily for 2 months). In comparison to the control group, biochemical analyses showed that a (BRE) significantly reduced the increase in final body weight, body weight gain, body weight, and relative weight of the heart, kidneys, and liver. It also improved heart, kidney and liver function, antioxidants, lipid profile, and haematological parameters. The findings were corroborated by a histopathological examination of the heart, kidney and liver. Beetroot extract can help to lowering overweight in male rats.