European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS) STEM - AN INEDIBLE WASTE PRODUCTS IS A POTENT SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT

*G. Karthikeyan, K. P. Piriyadharsini and C. Mohanasundaram

ABSTRACT

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) belongs to Chenopodiaceae family. Several parts of the beetroot plant are used for medicinal purposes such as lowering blood pressure, lowering the risk of diabetes, prevention of cancer, detoxification in liver, to treat anaemia. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Beetroot stem has many nutritional and medicinal values. It acts as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory agent. The present study analysed the phytochemical constituents foundin beetroot stem using various extracts (Aqueous, Acetone, Ethanol, Petroleum ether). The antioxidant activity of beetroot stem extracts showed better results by using DPPH, Flavonoids, Total phenol and FRAP assay. The antibacterial activity of beetroot stem was done and it showed measureable effect against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. From this work, we provide the substantial evidence that beetroot stem is an inedible waste product is a potent source of antioxidant and antibacterial agent there by indicating its use as a value-added component for functional foods.

Keywords: Beetroot stem, Phytochemicals, Antioxidants, Antibacterial activity.