Anti-Diabetic and Haematinic Effects of Beet Root Juice (Beta vulgaris L.) in Alloxan Induced Type-1 Diabetic Albino Rats

Introduction: Diabetes is the common endocrine disorder that impairs glucose homeostasis. From time immemorial therapeutic potential of beet root (Beta vulgaris) is known. In the present study an effort has been made to assess the anti-diabetic and haematinic properties of Beta vulgaris juice in alloxan induced experimental animal model. Materials and Methods: Rats were acclimatized for 10 days in lab temperature. All animals were given standard water and pellet diet. Diabetes induced in rats with the help of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg body weight). After Alloxan injection diabetic rats were separated and treatment started with Beta vulgaris juice and insulin. Juice administered with the help of intubation tube. Results and Discussion: A marked rise in fasting blood glucose level was observed in diabetic control when compared to control normal rats. Antidiabetic and haematinic activity was observed in Beta vulgaris juice treated rats on 7th, 14th, 21th and 28th days post treatment. Anti-diabetic effect of Beta vulgaris juice was found slightly less effective than that of the insulin treatment group. Result are statistically (p<0.001) significant. Conclusion: It is hoped that the present study will be helpful in the establishing a scientific basis for anti-diabetic and haematinic uses of the plant, Beta vulgaris.