Renoprotective Potential of Beetroot Spent Extract Under Hyperglycemic Conditions

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Phytochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Diabetic nephropathy is a severe diabetes complication driven by oxidative stress and kidney cell damage.
• Beetroot processing yields spent material rich in bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and renoprotective potential of beetroot spent extracts.
• To assess the viability of using beetroot processing waste as a functional ingredient for diabetes management.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of beetroot spent material using hot water and 70% ethanol.
• Quantification of phenolic, flavonoid, and betalain content; assessment of antioxidant activity (ABTS assay).
• Phytochemical characterization (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS), cytotoxicity testing (MTT assay), and renoprotective effects on renal cells under high-glucose conditions.

Main Results:

• Over 80 phenolic and flavonoid compounds identified, including quercetin and epicatechin.
• Hot water extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity (approx. 90% ABTS radical inhibition).
• Beetroot spent extract showed no cytotoxicity and significantly protected renal cells from high-glucose damage (>90% viability).

Conclusions:

• Beetroot spent water extract exhibits potent antioxidant and renoprotective properties against hyperglycemia-induced damage.
• Valorization of beetroot spent material as a sustainable functional food ingredient for diabetes-related applications is supported.