LAUSR

Abstract Objectives The safety and potentials of beetroot juice as a nutraceutical was assessed. Methods Beetroot obtained was identified by a taxonomist and washed thoroughly, chopped finely into small bits, and blended. The aqueous juice obtained was freeze dried. Six groups of five animals were distributed according to sex and body weight (average 135–185.0 g). The aqueous extract of beetroot was dissolved in distilled water and administered in a range of 200–3,000 mg/kg body weight/day/for 28 days using gastric gavage. Weight of animals, and feed consumption were determined weekly. On the 28th day the animals were fasted for 12 h and euthanized. Blood was collected for biochemical assays, while the kidney, liver, and pancreas were weighed and kept in buffered formalin for histopathological evaluation. Results Serum ALT was unaltered in all the groups, while the level of AST was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 500, 2,000, and 3,000 mg/kg. ALP was significantly reduced at 200 mg and 1,000 mg when compared to control. Total protein decreased significantly at 200 mg when compared to control and 2,000, 3,000 mg respectively. There were no significant changes in K+ and Cl− in all the groups. Urea at 200 and 3000 mg were significantly reduced and increased respectively. Creatinine concentration was not altered. Histopathological examination, did not reveal any unusual findings in the organs examined. Conclusions This study revealed that beetroot juice may not be toxic to the organs evaluated in the tested doses, therefore the extract can be said to be safe for the duration of study in an animal model.