Beta Vulgaris L. Roots: A Review of its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Potential and Pharmacology

Abstract

Beta vulgaris (L.), commonly called beetroot, is an excellent crop that can be used for nutritional and medicinal uses. Different varieties of Beta vulgaris (B. vulgaris) are cultivated all over the world, especially, the main four varieties of beetroot including, Crosby Egyptian, crimson globe, Detroit (red beetroot) dark red and early wonder due to their uniform appearance with dark red flesh. A literature survey on beetroot was performed by searching scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science and ACS as well as published books. The beetroot plant has been reported to possess a wide range of production data all over the world. Many factors influenced the growth, nutritional quality and phytochemistry of beetroots including ma-turity, temperature, water stress and drought. Several bioactive chemical constituents from beetroot were recorded including β-barotene, betalains, lutein, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, rutin and kaempferol. The beetroot has been studied extensively for its wide range of biological activities, which include antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hematological activities. The plant was also shown to be rich in nutritional value with high protein contents and important minerals as well as the edible quality of seed oil. It is evident from the literature that B. vulgaris possesses a wide range of nutritional and medicinal uses and has been well-studied, while its therapeutic potential for mid gut and cardiovascular disorder remains to be explored. Critical analysis showed that nutraceutical and medicinal potential of beetroot is enormous, with some indications for the presence of synergistic effects. Previously couple of review articles have been published which highlights the either phytochemistry or pharmacological significance separately which scattered the information in different parts. Current review article tried to collect all information of Beta vulgaris medicinal plant including its cultivation, production, factors affecting its production and yield, nutritional benefits on health, phytoconstituents and pharmacological significance by adding literature until September 2023 which is unique in the sense of updated and comprehensive literature which can be enchanting to botanists, ethnopharmacologist, medicinal chemist, and industrialist.