Experimental Evidence for the Remedial Potential of Beetroot Extract in Wound Healing of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat model

Background: Delayed wound relieve in Diabetes mellitus is a major health and economic problem. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) has many pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. Objectives: This study was designed to examine the therapeutic effects of beetroot ethanolic extract on wound healing in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male rats were divided into four groups: control, STZ-diabetic (65 mg/kg, i.p.), STZ + beetroot extract (25 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + insulin (6 IU/day, s.c.). Blood glucose, liver function enzymes, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and histopathological features of wound tissue were assessed. Results: Beetroot extract improved hyperglycemia, restored liver enzymes, boosted antioxidant defenses (↑Nrf2, SOD, GSH; ↓MDA), modulated inflammation (↓NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-8; ↑IL-10), normalized VEGF, and promoted wound healing through faster closure, re-epithelialization, organized collagen, and partial sebaceous gland recovery. Conclusion: These findings suggest beetroot as a safe, affordable, and promising adjunctive therapy for diabetic wound management