Abstract

Mundia Mwangelwa, Albertina Ng’andu, Olawole Temitayo Priscilla and Uthman Ademola Yusuf*

ABSTRACT

Beetroot is a medicinal plant used for the treatment and management of numerous ailments including diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the cardio-protective effects of beetroot extract on diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty male rats (160–200 g) were divided into five groups (n=6): normal control, diabetic only, diabetic + beetroot (500 mg/kg), diabetic + metformin, and beetroot only. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin of 70 mg/kg body weight. After 72 hours of confirmation of hyperglycemia, treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Blood glucose levels and body weights were measured weekly, and relative organ weights were recorded after sacrifice. Results showed significant reductions in blood glucose levels, improved body weight and relative heart weights in treated groups compared to the diabetic-only group (p<0.05). Histology revealed preserved cardiomyocytes in treated groups, while diabetic group rats showed degeneration. PAS staining indicated reduced glycation in treated groups compared to diabetic group rats. Beetroot extract demonstrated protective effects against diabetic cardiac tissue damage.