Evaluation of the Potential Role of Beetroot as an Anxiolytic at Different Doses in a Rodent Model

Abstract

There has been an increase in the population suffering from anxiety episodes worldwide. Hence, the present study was intended to assess the effects of different doses of lyophilized Beta vulgaris (beetroot) powder (500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg) on various anxiety models. Albino mice weighing 20-25g were selected for the study and divided into 4 groups. Group I was administered distilled water, and 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of B. vulgaris were given to groups II and III, respectively, orally. Group IV was administered lorazepam 0.03mg/kg orally, while 3 groups comprising Wistar rats were also taken for the testing of anxiety and comprised of 3 groups, i.e., control given distilled water, Treated I and II administered with 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg B. vulgaris powder. Head dip and cage crossing tests were performed on mice, whereas open field and light and dark testing were done on the rat model. The results showed a highly significant decline in cage crossings, head dip, and peripheral square crossings, and an increase in central square crossings and time spent in a light area as compared to the control. In comparison to the standard, a significant anxiolytic effect was observed. Among treated groups, the 1000mg/kg dose showed better anxiolytic potential at chronic dosing. From our study, we came to conclude that B. vulgaris showed anxiolytic potential in an animal model, and future studies should be conducted to focus on the mechanistic and clinical data.