Abstract
Objective: Beta vulgaris is an important part of daily diet and is consumed in salads. Current study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of lyophilized beet root powder.
Methodology: Albino rats weighing 140-200gm were chosen for this study. They were divided into six equal groups. For ethanoic acid induced paw edema model, group I was labeled as control and was orally given 1ml distilled water; groups II was given Ibuprofen as standard (400mg/70kg) and group III was given aqueous solution of lyophilized Beta vulgaris at dose of 500mg/kg. 30 minutes after giving these treatments 0.1 ml of 1% w/v ethanoic acid was administered in the subplantar tissue of rat paw. For carrrageenan induced paw edema method, group I (a), group II (a) and group III (a) were given same treatment as above divided groups; only difference was that they were administered 0.1ml of 1% carrageenan in subplantar tissue of rat paw after oral treatment. Swelling of paw was measured using Plethysmometer.
Results: Beta vulgaris had highly significant anti-inflammatory activity (p<0.001). In ethanoic acid paw edema method, the highest percentage inhibition was 26.9% and it was observed 2 hours after administration of ethanoic acid. In carrageenan induced paw edema, Beta vulgaris showed highest inhibitory percentage (41.4%), which was seen after 2 hours of administration of carrageenan.
Conclusion: Beta vulgaris had significant anti-inflammatory effects that may be of potential benefit in different inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory effect is observed due to presence of betalain.

Key words: Beta vulgaris, carrageenan, ethanoic acid, inflammation.