Therapeutic Application of Betalains: A Review

Abstract

Anthocyanins, betalains, riboflavin, carotenoids, chlorophylls and caramel are the basic natural food colorants used in modern food manufacture. Betalains, which are composed of red–violet betacyanin and yellow betaxanthins, are water-soluble pigments that color flowers and fruits. Betalains are pigments primarily produced by plants of the order Caryophyllales. Because of their anti-inflammatory, cognitive impairment, anticancer and anti-hepatitis properties, betalains are useful as pharmaceutical agents and dietary supplements. Betalains also exhibit antimicrobial and antimalarial effects, and as an example, betalain-rich Amaranthus spinosus displays prominent antimalarial activity. Studies also confirmed the antidiabetic effect of betalains, which reduced glycemia by 40% without causing weight loss or liver impairment. These findings show that betalain colorants may be a promising alternative to the synthetic dyes currently used as food additives.

Enhancing the Conversion Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells based on Betalain Natural Dye as The Potential Photosensitizer: A Review

“…Furthermore, the ability of betalain from beetroot extract in inhibiting hexokinases enzyme for controlling blood sugar level has been reported by Kabir's group, confirming its potential as an anti-diabetic compound [26,27]. Moreover, the investigation of betacyanin from beetroot as an anti-cancer compound through in vitro studies showed favorable inhibition to various cancer cells in breast, colon, stomach, and lung [20,25]. The betalains also have been reported to have an ability in chelation of inner cations that the parasites need [20].…”

“…They noted that betacyanins have inhibition percentage of up to 50% while betaxanthins were up to 60%. The good antioxidant activities of betalains then can bring benefit in inhibiting lipid oxidation to prevent cardiovascular diseases [21,25]. Furthermore, the ability of betalain from beetroot extract in inhibiting hexokinases enzyme for controlling blood sugar level has been reported by Kabir's group, confirming its potential as an anti-diabetic compound [26,27].…”

“…This property supports betalain dye to be identified as the one of important bioactive molecules. As the bioactive molecules, betalain dye has been widely reported to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-lipidemic, and antimicrobial activities [23][24][25]. Slimen's group has summarized the antioxidant activities of some betalains that were measured using DPPH radical scavenging activity method [23].…”

Biological Properties and Applications of Betalains

“…In the rat model of Parkinson’s disease induced by combined administration of tacrine, haloperidol and reserpine, red beet (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) protected against behavioral changes and ameliorated oxidative stress [ 243 ]. These results indicate that betanin may have the ability to prevent or delay the progress of neural death in PD [ 244 ].…”

“…The radioprotective effect was ascribed to the antioxidant activity of the betalains and modulation of the immune system by these compounds [ 281 ]. Therapeutic applications of betalains have been summarized in a recent review [ 244 ].…”