Protective and curative effects of Beta vulgaris on pesticide dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate-exposed albino rats

Background: This study evaluated the effect of Beta vulgaris (beetroot) smoothie on some biochemical parameters on dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP, known as dichlorvos)-exposed albino Wistar rats. Methods: A total of 30 rats of both sexes were grouped into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as the negative control and were not exposed to dichlorvos. Group II served as the positive control and were exposed to dichlorvos but received no smoothie. Group III received 500 mg/kg body weight beetroot smoothie and was not exposed to dichlorvos. Groups IV and V were exposed to dichlorvos but received beetroot before and after exposure, respectively. At the end of the 6-week experiment, the animals were euthanized, the blood samples collected for some biochemical assays while the organs (kidney and liver) were harvested and subjected to histopathological examination. Results: From the biochemical assay, it was observed that the beetroot smoothies regulated and significantly reduced the elevated levels of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine observed in the animals that were exposed to dichlorvos. Additionally, the beetroot was able to regenerate the liver and kidney organs that were damaged on exposure to dichlorvos. Conclusion: This study concluded that beetroot smoothie possesses hepato-protective, hepato-curative as well as nephro-curative properties.