Protective Effect of Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot) and Its Betaine Against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Attenuating Inflammatory Status, Oxidative Stress and Fibrogenesis

Previous studies have shown that beetroot and its bioactive compound betaine prevent fat accumulation and enhance liver function. The current study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) and its betaine (BET) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There were ten groups of animals: a control group; groups that received orally 4 or 8 ml of BRJ/kg BW for 6 weeks; groups that received orally 200 or 400 mg of betaine/kg BW for 6 weeks; a fatty liver group that were fed a high fat diet daily (HFD) for 4 weeks; and four fatty liver groups that received the same dosages of BRJ and BET as the earlier groups for 2 weeks then combined with HFD for addition 4 weeks. HFD-treated rats showed evident NAFLD. Co-administration of BRJ or BET with HFD showed significant hepatoprotective effects, as it decreased serum ALT, AST, TC, TAG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, MDA, NO, and TNF-α levels. While increased level of HDL-C and activities of SOD and CAT were observed. Moreover, BRJ or BET treatment was linked with TGF-β and fibronectin mRNA downregulation in liver tissue. In conclusion, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is effectively prevented by beetroot juice extract and its betaine; the mechanism is most likely linked to enhancing lipid metabolism, preventing oxidative stress, lowering inflammation, and preventing fibrosis.