Cardio-protective Activity of Aqueous Extract of Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris) Vegetable Plant on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats (Published)
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a multi-targeted supplement in cardiac-respiratory disorders. The study was to evaluate its cardio-protective activity in rats.Wistar rats grouped into four of eight each: Group I-Control received distilled water as a vehicle for 49 days + {0.2ml of normal saline, intra-peritoneal (ip)} on 21st, 28th, 35th, and 42nd day. Group II- received doxorubicin (4 mg/ kg, ip). Group III received extract (Beetroot, 300 mg/kg orally) + doxorubicin (4 mg/kg, ip) while group IV received extract (Beetroot, 500 mg/kg orally) + doxorubicin (4 mg/kg, ip). They were fed with feed and water ad-libitum. Electrocardiographic parameters (QT interval, ST interval and QRS complex), Hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP, MABP), Oxidant/antioxidant status of cardiac tissue (Catalase and Malondialdehyde) were measured by standard methods. Serum was measured for CK-MB, LDH, ALT and Troponin-1 by standard methods. There was significant (p < 0.01) decrease in cardiac enzymes (Serum Troponin-1, CK-MB, LDH and AST) amongst the Beetroot treated group, compared to the doxorubicin-induced group. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the ECG / Hemodynamic parameters in the treated beetroot groups in-comparison with the doxorubicin-induced.Aqueous extract of beetroot (at 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight) possesses cardio-protective activity. Therefore, buttresses the fact that antioxidant nutrients in fruits and vegetables are important in the maintenance of human health. Extracts of beetroot could be effective for the management of hypertension.
Keywords: ECG, beetroot, cardiac, cardiotoxicity, doxorubicin