Estimation of Some Vitamins in Beetroot Juice and Their Relationship to Cancer

Background: The beetroot plant was purchased from the markets of Al-Najaf Governorate. The plant was washed with running water and the peels were removed from it, then cut into thin slices, dried away from sunlight and ground using an electric grinder. Beta vulgaris L. is known as beetroot or garden beet. It is classified as a species of the family Chenopodiaceae and it is a biennial herbaceous crop that grows all over the world for its edible roots and leaves. Beetroot varieties may be of yellow color up to deep red, but it is the red type that has wide consumption in the world. The multicolored look and good nutritional value attracted researchers interested in new food products . Betalains are among antioxidants found more specifically in red beet because of their anti-cancer activity. Methods: Fine powder samples (5 mg) were extracted in 10 mL of methanol or distilled water and allowed to stand for 24 hours so that maximum solubilization of bioactive compounds could be achieved. The extract was then filtered to remove solid residues and the filtrates obtained were kept at 4°C for further use. All analyses were thereafter carried out in the laboratory of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Water under controlled conditions to maintain sample integrity and accuracy of results. HPLC model It was utilized to analyses add detection of vitamins. Result: Antioxidant activity was verified by DPPH assay where reduction of radicals appears as lower absorbance at 517 nm due to antioxidants. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extracts indicated a higher amount of bioactive compounds amongst which were total phenolics (120.5 mg/g DW), anthocyanins (60.55 mg/g DW), flavonoids (1.62 mg/g DW) and carotenoids (2.44 mg/100 g DW). Further quantification of vitamins by HPLC analysis revealed that in the methanolic extract, vitamin A was found to be 150.2 mg/100 g DW, vitamin E-8.6 mg/100 g DW and vitamin C-65.9 mg/100 g DW with the highest amount for vitamin A.