Red beet betalains extraction process: A comprehensive review of methods, applications, and physicochemical properties

Red beet extract is rich in bioactive compounds and possesses health-promoting properties. Moreover, the stability of red beet extract over a broad acidic pH range has given them great potential in developing new functional foods and drinks. The choice of extraction solvent and methodology significantly influences the efficiency of betalain extraction from plant vacuoles. Although the conventional solvent extraction method has been widely employed for betalain extraction, recent innovations have introduced alternative methods that offer advantages, such as reduced solvent consumption, energy efficiency, and minimized exposure to high temperatures. This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge about conventional and novel extraction methods, applications, biological activities, and purification of red beet betalains. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of betalain-rich extract of red beet and associated safety considerations have been investigated.