Evaluating Biocompounds in Discarded Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Leaves and Stems for Sustainable Food Processing Solutions.

The current trend focuses on reducing food waste, with scientific studies exploring the nutritional value of discarded food components to identify potential health benefits. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is highly consumed, but its stems and leaves are often discarded. This work aims to characterize the chemical properties and bioactive compounds in beet stems and leaves and assess their applicability in food products. The stems and leaves were subjected to different drying temperatures (50 to 70 °C) to determine the optimal temperature for preserving their bioactive compounds. They are then nutritionally and physiochemically characterized and incorporated into a food matrix. The optimal drying temperature was 60 °C. The leaves and stems contain approximately 30 and 15 g/100 g of protein, 30 and 32 g/100 g of dietary fiber, 4 and 0.45 g/100 g of lipids, and 24 and 25 g/100 g of ash, respectively. Both provide approximately 50% of the amino acid requirements established by the WHO/FAO/UNU and are rich in iron and potassium. The stems presented 53% more betalainic compounds (0.58 mg/g) and a higher nitrate content (359 mg/kg) than did the leaves, which presented a higher polyphenol content. The incorporation of flour from beet stems and leaves into food products is economical, reduces food waste, and enhances nutrition and health.

Nano-Liposomal Beetroot Phyto-Pigment in Photodynamic Therapy as a Prospective Green Approach for Cancer Management: In Vitro Evaluation and Molecular Dynamic Simulation.

Using plant extracts as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a significant green approach toward sustainability. This study investigates beetroot juice (BRJ), betanin, and their liposomal formulations (Lip-BRJ, Lip-Bet) as photosensitizers in cancer PDT. BRJ was prepared, and its betanin content was quantified via HPLC. The p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO)/imidazole technique monitored the singlet oxygen formation. BRJ and betanin decreased the RNO absorbance at 440 nm by 12% and 9% after 45 min of irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, betanin interaction with Bcl-2 proteins was examined using binding free energy analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The results revealed favorable interactions with ΔG values of -40.94 kcal/mol. Then, BRJ, betanin, Lip-BRJ, and Lip-Bet were tested as photosensitizers on normal (HEK 293) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of Lip-Bet on HEK 293 cells (20% cell viability at 2000 µg/mL) and A549 cells (13% cell viability at 1000 µg/mL). For Lip-BRJ, irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cells at lower concentrations and on A549 cells at all tested concentrations. These results proved the positive effect of light and liposomal encapsulation on the anticancer activity of betanin and BRJ, suggesting the efficiency of liposomal beetroot pigments as green photosensitizers.

Dietary NO3- does not enhance endothelial dependent cutaneous vascular conductance in older women.

Prior work has yet to determine whether the reduction of dietary nitrate (NO3-) to NO, via the enterosalivary pathway, may modify cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) responses to local heating in older women. Changes occurring with the transition to menopause related to hormonal flux, increased adiposity, and/or decreased physical activity may further compound the negative influence of aging on nitric oxide (NO)-dependent CVC. Herein, we characterized changes in NO-dependent CVC following acute ingestion of 140 mL of NO3--rich beetroot juice in 24 older women (age: 65 ± 5 y, BMI: 31.2 ± 3.7 kg/m2). Red blood cell (RBC) flux was measured continuously via laser-Doppler flowmetry on the dorsal aspect of the forearm during local skin heating to 39 °C/44 °C before and 3 h after NO3- ingestion. NO-dependent changes in CVC were calculated as RBC flux/mean arterial blood pressure at 39 °C and normalized as a proportion of maximal CVC at 44 °C (%CVCmax). Changes (Δ) in fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) following NO3- ingestion were used an index of NO bioavailability. Despite increased FeNO (+81 ± 70 %, P < 0.001), %CVCmax at 39 °C was reduced (-16 ± 10 %, P < 0.001) following NO3- ingestion. A greater reduction in %CVCmax was weakly to moderately associated with higher body fat% (r = 0.45 [0.05-0.72], P = 0.029), central adiposity% (r = 0.50 [0.13-0.75], P = 0.012), neutrophil% (r = 0.42 [0.02-0.70], P = 0.041), and higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.49 [0.11-0.75], P = 0.016). These findings demonstrate a single dose of dietary NO3- does not promote CVC responses to local heating in sedentary older women with overweight and obesity. Correlation with multiple biomarkers suggest systemic inflammation may be involved.

Biological Activity and Phytochemical Characteristics of Star Anise (Illicium verum) Essential Oil and Its Anti-Salmonella Activity on Sous Vide Pumpkin Model.

Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, represents one of the notable botanical species and is recognized for its rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds. Beyond its culinary application as a spice, this plant has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Given the contemporary emphasis on incorporating natural resources into food production, particularly essential oils, to enhance sensory attributes and extend shelf life, our study seeks to elucidate the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial (in vitro, in situ) and insecticidal properties of Illicium verum essential oil (IVEO). Also, microbiological analyses of pumpkin sous vide treated with IVEO after inoculation of Salmonella enterica were evaluated after 1 and 7 days of study. GC/MS analysis revealed a significantly high amount of (E)-anethole (88.4%) in the investigated EO. The disc diffusion method shows that the antibacterial activity of the IVEO ranged from 5.33 (Streptococcus constellatus) to 10.33 mm (Citrobacter freundii). The lowest minimal inhibition concentration was found against E. coli and the minimum biofilm inhibition concertation was found against S. enterica. In the vapor phase, the best antimicrobial activity was found against E. coli in the pears model and against S. sonei in the beetroot model. The application of the sous vide method in combination with IVEO application decreased the number of microbial counts and eliminated the growth of S. enterica. The most isolated microbiota identified from the sous vide pumpkin were Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, and Ralstonia picketii. Modifications to the protein composition of biofilm-forming bacteria S. enterica were suggested by the MALDI TOF MS instigations. The IVEO showed insecticidal potential against Harmonia axyridis. Thanks to the properties of IVEO, our results suggest it can be used in the food industry as a natural supplement to extend the shelf life of foods and as a natural insecticide.

Valorization of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Pomace Combined with Golden Linseed (Lini semen) for the Development of Vegetable Crispbreads as Gluten-Free Snacks Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of beet pomace contributes to waste management. Linseed, known as a superfood with many health-promoting properties, was used to produce crispbreads as an alternative to cereals, which are allergens. Beetroot pomace and whole or ground linseed were used in different proportions to produce crispbread snacks. Chemical and physical analyses were performed including water activity, dry matter, betalains, and polyphenols content, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sensory evaluation and microstructure observations were also performed. The obtained snacks were characterized by low water activity (0.290-0.395) and a high dry matter content (93.43-97.53%), which ensures their microbiological stability and enables longer storage. Beetroot pomace provided betalains-red (14.59-51.44 mg betanin/100 g d.m.) and yellow dyes (50.02-171.12 mg betanin/100 g d.m.)-while using linseed enriched the product with polyphenols (730-948 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g d.m.). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as the following: -OH, -C-O, -COOH, and -NH. The most desired overall consumer acceptability was achieved for snacks containing 50% beetroot pomace and 50% linseed seeds. The obtained results confirmed that beetroot pomace combined with linseed can be used in the production of vegetable crispbread snacks.

Influence of nitrate supplementation on motor unit activity during recovery following a sustained ischemic contraction in recreationally active young males.

PURPOSE: Dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation enhances muscle blood flow and metabolic efficiency in hypoxia, however, its efficacy on neuromuscular function and specifically, the effect on motor unit (MU) activity is less clear. We investigated whether NO3- supplementation affected MU activity following a 3 min sustained ischemic contraction and whether this is influenced by blood flow restriction (BFR) during the recovery period. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design, 14 males (mean ± SD, 25 ± 6 years) completed two trials following 5 days of supplementation with NO3--rich (NIT) or NO3--depleted (PLA) beetroot juice to modify plasma nitrite (NO2-) concentration (482 ± 92 vs. 198 ± 48 nmol·L-1, p < 0.001). Intramuscular electromyography was used to assess MU potential (MUP) size (duration and area) and mean firing rates (MUFR) during a 3 min submaximal (25% MVC) isometric contraction with BFR. These variables were also assessed during a 90 s recovery period with the first half completed with, and the second half completed without, BFR. RESULTS: The change in MUP area and MUFR, did not differ between conditions (all p > 0.05), but NIT elicited a reduction in MUP recovery time during brief isometric contractions (p < 0.001), and during recoveries with (p = 0.002) and without (p = 0.012) BFR. CONCLUSION: These novel observations improve understanding of the effects of NO3- on the recovery of neuromuscular function post-exercise and might have implications for recovery of muscle contractile function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with ID of NCT05993715 on August 08, 2023.

Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanisms and UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells: Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.

Dermal photoaging refers to the skin's response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of DNMT and HDAC genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations.

Beetroot extract@chitosan nanocomposite as a promising approach towards cancer therapy.

The exceptional antioxidant properties of beetroot (BR) and the cancer antiproliferative effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) have led to the synthesis of a BR@CS nanocomposite (NC) in this study. The novel BR@CS NC was applied to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), human epithelial ductal breast carcinoma (T-47D), and human epithelial lung carcinoma (A549) cells. SEM characterization of CS NP revealed a variety of particle shapes ranging from 20 to 58 nm in diameter. UV-VIS analysis confirmed the formation of the BR@CS NC, while FTIR analysis demonstrated strong hydrogen bonds between CS NP and BR. These bonds reduced the positive surface charge of CS NP, as indicated by zeta potential analysis. When applied to cancer cell lines at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, the BR@CS NC successfully eradicated 89 % of A549, 88 % of T-47D, and 83 % of Caco-2 cell lines. The cell death mode exhibited extensive, apoptotic, and massive necrotic changes in all cell lines treated with BR@CS NC. Caspase 3 (CasP3) and P53 levels were elevated in BR@CS NC-treated cells. This study merges BR's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with the antiangiogenic mechanism and inhibition of tumors by CS NP, resulting in a unique and innovative strategy for cancer treatment.

Beetroot Bioactive and its Associated Health Benefits: Considerations for Utilization of Beetroot in Value-added Products.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot is a remarkable source of nutrients needed for the improvement of human health. This paper presents a general overview of beetroot, its bioactive compounds, and its valorization. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to understand and review the various beetroot bioactive compounds and their utilization in value-added products. METHODS: The findings and data provided in this review are based on the available research investigations and authorized articles. RESULT: Beetroot is a reliable source of a cluster of bioactive compounds, such as betalains, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and nitrates, which have brought it into the spotlight for the preparation of various value-added products for daily consumption for better health. These beneficial compounds show a wide range of health benefits, such as antiinflammatory activity, anti-oxidant activity, anti-anemic activity, and cancer chemopreventive activity. CONCLUSION: This paper has reviewed the studies focused on the utilization of beetroot concerning its varied composition of nutraceutical components. This review briefly accounts for the different bioactive compound extraction methods that are immensely helpful in the food and health industries. The advantages and disadvantages of these extractions are also taken into consideration. There is a wide range of value-added products currently in the market that are generated from the addition of beetroot for the improvement of nutritional as well as sensory attributes of the final products.

Anticancer properties of red beetroot hydro-alcoholic extract and its main constituent; betanin on colorectal cancer cell lines.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) contains Betanin as its major betacyanin, possessing wide proapoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer and pro-papoptotic effects of beetroot hydro-alcoholic extract (BHE) and betanin, on colorectal cancer cell lines. BHE and betanin were used to treat Caco-2 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. MTT assay, DAPI staining, and FACS-flow cytometry tests were used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and apoptosis-inducing evaluations. Intended genes were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The IC50 for HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines were 92 µg/mL, 107 µg/mL for BHE, and 64 µg/mL, 90 µg/mL for betanin at 48 h, respectively. BHE and betanin significantly inhibited the growth of both cancer cell lines time and dose-dependently. DAPI staining and flow cytometry results revealed significant apoptosis symptoms in treated cancerous cell lines. The expression level of proapoptotic genes (BAD, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Fas-R) in treated HT-29 and Caco-2 cells was higher than in untreated and normal cells. In contrast, the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) was significantly downregulated. BHE and betanin effectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis via the modification of effective genes.

Effect of Red-Beetroot-Supplemented Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolite Profile of Weaned Pigs-A Pilot Study.

Red beetroot is a well-recognized and established source of bioactive compounds (e.g., betalains and polyphenols) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is proposed as a potential alternative to zinc oxide with a focus on gut microbiota modulation and metabolite production. In this study, weaned pigs aged 28 days were fed either a control diet, a diet supplemented with zinc oxide (3000 mg/kg), or 2% and 4% pulverized whole red beetroot (CON, ZNO, RB2, and RB4; respectively) for 14 days. After pigs were euthanized, blood and digesta samples were collected for microbial composition and metabolite analyses. The results showed that the diet supplemented with red beetroot at 2% improved the gut microbial richness relative to other diets but marginally influenced the cecal microbial diversity compared to a zinc-oxide-supplemented diet. A further increase in red beetroot levels (4%-RB4) led to loss in cecal diversity and decreased short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acid concentrations. Also, an increased Proteobacteria abundance, presumably due to increased lactate/lactic-acid-producing bacteria was observed. In summary, red beetroot contains several components conceived to improve the gut microbiota and metabolite output of weaned pigs. Future studies investigating individual components of red beetroot will better elucidate their contributions to gut microbiota modulation and pig health.

Young Shoots of Red Beet and the Root at Full Maturity Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Modern medicine is struggling with the problem of fully effective treatment of neoplastic diseases despite deploying innovative chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, undertaking cancer-prevention measures, such as proper eating habits, should be strongly recommended. The present research aimed to compare the effects of juice from young shoots of beetroot compared to juice from root at full maturity on human breast cancer and normal cells. The juice from young shoots, both in the native and digested form, was most often a significantly stronger inhibitor of the proliferation of both analyzed breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), compared to the native and digested juice from red beetroot. Regardless of juice type, a significantly greater reduction was most often shown in the proliferation of estrogen-dependent cells (MCF-7 line) than of estrogen-independent cells (MDA-MB-231 line). All analyzed types of beetroot juice and, in particular, the ones from young shoots and the root subjected to digestion and absorption, exerted an antiproliferative and apoptotic effect (pinpointing the internal apoptosis pathway) on the cells of both cancer lines studied. There is a need to continue the research to comprehensively investigate the factors responsible for both these effects.

Antioxidant Capacity, Nitrite and Nitrate Content in Beetroot-Based Dietary Supplements.

Due to the high content of bioactive substances, beetroot and its preserves might be a valuable constituent of a diet. Research into the antioxidant capacity and content of nitrate (III) and (V) in beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs) worldwide is limited. The Folin-Ciocalteu method, CUPRAC, DPPH, and Griess methods were used to determine total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, nitrites, and nitrates content in fifty DSs and twenty beetroot samples. Moreover, the safety of products was evaluated because of the concentration of nitrites, nitrates, and the correctness of labelling. The research showed that a serving of fresh beetroot provides significantly more antioxidants, nitrites, and nitrates than most daily portions of DSs. Product P9 provided the highest dose of nitrates (169 mg/daily dose). However, in most cases, the consumption of DSs would be associated with a low health value. The acceptable daily intake was not exceeded in the cases of nitrites (0.0015-0.55%) and nitrates (0.056-48%), assuming that the supplementation followed the manufacturer's recommendation. According to European and Polish regulations, 64% of the products tested did not meet all the requirements for labelling food packaging. The findings point to the need for tighter regulation of DSs, as their consumption might be dangerous.

Effect of Beetroot Powder Incorporation on Functional Properties and Shelf Life of Biscuits.

The demand for ready-to-use functional foods is high, which encourages manufacturers to develop new, nutritionally valuable products. As an excellent source of biologically active compounds, beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is considered to have highly beneficial effects on health. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing spelt flour (SF) with 15%, 20% and 25% beetroot powder (BP). The physicochemical and functional properties of biscuits baked at different temperatures (150 and 170 °C) were followed at the beginning, and after 3 and 6 months of storage as standard conditions. Moisture content and water activity (aw) gave insight into the biscuits' shelf life. The value of aw from 0.35 to 0.56 indicated appropriate storability. Dietary fiber content in fresh biscuits ranged from 6.1% to 7.6%, protein from 9.2% to 8.9% and sugar from 30.6% to 35.9%. The content of betalain, total polyphenols and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) increased with beetroot powder content incorporated. A slight decrease of all the mentioned parameters during the storage indicated satisfied retention of bioactive molecules. The content of prevalent phenolic compounds gallic and protocatechuic acid, identified by HPLC, decreased from 22.2-32.0 and 21.1-24.9 in fresh biscuits to 18.3-23.4 and 17.3-20.3 mg/100 g upon six months of storage, respectively. An increase of the L* and a* and a decrease of the b* coordinate values, compared with the control sample without beetroot values, was noticed as well as the expected level of their change during the storage. The obtained results indicated that biscuits enriched with beetroot powder showed a significantly improved functional, nutritional and antioxidant potential during storage.

Beetroot as a novel ingredient for its versatile food applications.

Beta vulgaris, also known as Beetroot, is a member of a family of Chenopodiaceae and is widely used as a natural food colorant. It gets its distinctive color due to nitrogen-containing water-soluble pigments betalains. Beetroot is an exquisite cradle of nutrients, including proteins, sucrose, carbohydrates, vitamins (B complex and vitamin C), minerals, fiber. They also contain an appreciable amount of phenolic compounds and antioxidants such as coumarins, carotenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenes, flavonoids (astragalin, tiliroside, rhamnocitrin, kaempferol, rhamnetin). Recent studies evidenced that beetroot consumption had favorable physiological benefits, leading to improved cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, hepatic steatosis, liver damage, etc. This review gives insights into developing beetroot as a potential and novel ingredient for versatile food applications and the latest research conducted worldwide. The phytochemical diversity of beetroot makes them potential sources of nutraceutical compounds from which functional foods can be obtained. The article aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on beetroot incurred in the agri-food sector and a comprehensive review detailing the potentiality of tapping bioactive compounds in the entire agriculture-based food sector.

Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances heavy load carriage performance in military cadets.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation on physiological responses, cognitive function, and performance during heavy load carriage in military cadets. METHODS: Ten healthy males (81.0 ± 6.5 kg; 180.0 ± 4.5 cm; 56.2 ± 3.7 ml·kg·min-1 VO2max) consumed 140 mL·d-1 of beetroot juice (BRJ; 12.8 mmol NO3-) or placebo (PL) for six d preceding an exercise trial, which consisted of 45 min of load carriage (55% body mass) at 4.83 km·h-1 and 1.5% grade, followed by a 1.6-km time-trial (TT) at 4% grade. Gas exchange, heart rate, and perceptual responses were assessed during constant-load exercise and the TT. Cognitive function was assessed immediately prior to, during, and post-exercise via the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT). RESULTS: Post-TT HR (188 ± 7.1 vs. 185 ± 7.4; d = 0.40; p = 0.03), mean tidal volume (2.15 ± 0.27 vs. 2.04 ± 0.23; p = 0.02; d = 0.47), and performance (770.9 ± 78.2 s vs. 809.8 ± 61.4 s; p = 0.03; d = 0.63) were increased during the TT with BRJ versus PL. There were no effects of BRJ on constant-load gas exchange or perceptual responses, and cognitive function was unchanged at all time points. CONCLUSION: BRJ supplementation improves heavy load carriage performance in military cadets possibly as a result of attenuated respiratory muscle fatigue, rather than enhanced exercise economy.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Fermented Beetroot Juices Enriched with Different Additives.

Fermented beetroot juice is a beverage obtained from the fermentation of beetroot, most commonly red beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva). Nowadays, this product is increasingly recognised as a functional food with potentially beneficial health properties. It has been suggested to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and probiotic effects, among others. Moreover, with the increasing popularity of the drink, newer variants are appearing in the food market, obtained by modifying the traditional recipe, adding other raw materials, herbs, and spices. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of the selected fermented beetroot juices in different flavour variants available in the Polish food market. The study material consisted of six fermented beetroot juices: traditional, with garlic, with horseradish, with acerola, without salt, and iodized. The obtained results showed that the addition of acerola, horseradish, garlic, salt, and iodine in the form of sodium iodide and potassium iodide influenced the composition and properties of fermented beetroot juice. The most promising product in terms of potentially beneficial health properties related to the prevention of free radical diseases was fermented beetroot juice without salt (FRAP-5663.40 µM Fe (II)/L, ABTS-96.613%, TPC-760.020 mg GAE/L, TFC-221.280 mg RE/L). Iodized fermented beetroot juice had the highest vitamin C content-51.859 mg/100 mL. However, all the products tested were characterised by a significant content of biologically active substances with antioxidant properties and showed a high antioxidant potential. Moreover, all the fermented beetroot juices were rated positively in terms of flavour intensity, sweetness, acidity, colour, and overall acceptability. They can, therefore, be a good source of antioxidants in the daily diet.

Eight weeks of inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation improves aerobic exercise capacity and the gas exchange threshold in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have reduced exercise capacity, indexed by lower maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) and achievement of the gas exchange threshold (GET) at a lower % V̇o2max. The ubiquitous signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) plays a multifaceted role during exercise and, as patients with T2DM have poor endogenous NO production, we investigated if inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation (an exogenous source of NO) improves exercise capacity in patients with T2DM. Thirty-six patients with T2DM (10F, 59 ± 9 yr, 32.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2, HbA1c = 7.4 ± 1.4%) consumed beetroot juice containing either inorganic nitrate/nitrite (4.03 mmol/0.29 mmol) or a placebo (0.8 mmol/0.00 mmol) for 8 wk. A maximal exercise test was completed before and after both interventions. V̇o2max was determined by averaging 15-s data, whereas the GET was identified using the V-slope method and breath-by-breath data. Inorganic nitrate/nitrite increased both absolute (1.96 ± 0.67 to 2.07 ± 0.75 L/min) and relative (20.7 ± 7.0 to 21.9 ± 7.4 mL/kg/min, P < 0.05 for both) V̇o2max, whereas no changes were observed following placebo (1.94 ± 0.40 to 1.90 ± 0.39 L/min, P = 0.33; 20.0 ± 4.2 to 19.7 ± 4.6 mL/kg/min, P = 0.39). Maximal workload was also increased following inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation (134 ± 47 to 140 ± 51 W, P < 0.05) but not placebo (138 ± 32 to 138 ± 32 W, P = 0.98). V̇o2 at the GET (1.11 ± 0.27 to 1.27 ± 0.38L/min) and the %V̇o2max in which GET occurred (56 ± 8 to 61 ± 7%, P < 0.05 for both) increased following inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation but not placebo (1.10 ± 0.23 to 1.08 ± 0.21 L/min, P = 0.60; 57 ± 9 to 57 ± 8%, P = 0.90) although the workload at GET did not achieve statistical significance (group-by-time P = 0.06). Combined inorganic nitrate/nitrite consumption improves exercise capacity, maximal workload, and promotes a rightward shift in the GET in patients with T2DM. This manuscript reports data from a registered Clinical Trial at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02804932.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report that increasing nitric oxide bioavailability via 8 wk of inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation improves maximal aerobic exercise capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Similarly, we observed a rightward shift in the gas exchange threshold. Taken together, these data indicate inorganic nitrate/nitrite may serve as a means to improve fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Red Beetroot and Banana Peels as Value-Added Ingredients: Assessment of Biological Activity and Preparation of Functional Edible Films.

In the present study, water extracts from banana and red beetroot peels were evaluated as a potential source of biologically active compounds for the formulation of edible films. Using spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD methodologies, banana peel extract was found to be a valuable source of dopamine (156.08 mg L-1), while red beetroot peel extract was abundant in red-violet pigments betacyanins (90.1 mg betanin L-1). The biological activity of the extracts was studied by determining their effects on macromolecular models, including DNA (plasmid phiX RF1 DNA), protein (bovine serum albumin), and lipid (linoleic acid) models, as well as on continuous human cell lines of colon cancer Caco-2 and hepatocellular liver cancer Hep G2 at concentrations of 0.2 and 1 mg mL-1. Results showed that the extracts had no adverse effects and both were further used for the formulation of edible films using alginate in combination with three types of plant proteins-rice, peanut, and pumpkin. In general, edible films based on banana peel extract were characterized by better bioactive properties compared with the films based on red beetroot peel extract. The addition of peanut proteins into the formulations resulted in the most desirable bioactive profile of the formulated edible films, including total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Aside from the control sample prepared only with the alginate, the highest dopamine content was determined in the film with incorporated pumpkin proteins (10.72 mg g-1 dw), while the sample prepared with peanut proteins was richest in betacyanins (175.58 mg betanin g-1 dw).

A randomized clinical trial of beetroot juice consumption on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are both major underlying factors for the initiation and progression of diabetes, as well as for the development of long-term diabetes-related consequences in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of beetroot juice (BJ) consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM. In this trial, 52 patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to either the concentrated BJ or the control group. The BJ group received 12 ml concentrated BJ twice daily, whereas the control group received no intervention. At the baseline and the end of week 12, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were measured. Compared with the control group, BJ reduced IL-6 (-0.1 vs. 0.83, P = 0.001), TNF-α (-1.28 vs. 5.51, P = 0.001), and NF-κB (-0.03 vs. 0.36, P = 0.005) after 12-week intervention; plasma concentration of MDA and hs-CRP did not change between groups after intervention. Intra-group comparison disclosed that daily BJ consumption could not change oxidative stress and inflammatory markers except for TNF-α (-1.28 ± 2.31, P = 0.026) compared with the baseline. However, the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB increased significantly in the control group at the end of week 12 compared to baseline (19.5%, P = 0.001; 120%, P = 0.001; and 69%, P = 0.021, respectively). In conclusion, our study indicates that daily consumption of BJ reduces the concentrations of some inflammatory markers, including IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, which are involved in the pathogenesis of complications of T2DM. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Beetroot juice concentrate contains nutrients such as antioxidants that can improve the health status of people with type 2 diabetes.