Test of Effectiveness of Beet Tuber Extract (Beta Vulgaris) Extract On Cholesterol Levels and Kidney Histopathology In Aloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstrakt

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of beetroot extract on total cholesterol levels and kidney histopathology in alloxan-induced diabetic white rats (Rattus norvegicus).Methods: This experimental study used a post-test only control group design with 24 male rats divided into six groups: normal, negative control (alloxan + aquadest), positive control (alloxan + metformin), and three treatment groups receiving beetroot extract at doses of 22.5 mg/200 gBW, 45 mg/200 gBW, and 90 mg/200 gBW. Total cholesterol levels were measured before and after treatment, while kidney tissues were examined histopathologically using HE staining and damage scoring (0–3). Data analysis included Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman’s correlation tests.Results: Most groups showed an increase in cholesterol levels after treatment, except treatment group 2 (45 mg/200 gBW), which demonstrated a decrease from 96.40 mg/dL to 84.40 mg/dL. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no statistically significant differences among groups (p = 0.306). Histopathological findings indicated that treatment group 2 exhibited lower kidney damage scores compared to the negative control, suggesting a protective effect. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between day-14 blood glucose levels and total cholesterol (r = –0.130; p = 0.492). Conclusion: Beetroot extract at a dose of 45 mg/200 gBW demonstrated potential in lowering total cholesterol levels and providing nephroprotective effects, although the results were not statistically significant. These findings support the potential role of beetroot as an adjuvant therapy in diabetes mellitus with dyslipidemia and kidney complications.