Bioactive Phytochemicals from Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) By-Products
摘要
Beetroot, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, is a widely recognized and extensively cultivated fruit due to its abundant nutritional content, including proteins, fiber, vitamins (B complex and C), minerals, and various bioactive phenolic substances belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. The primary constituents of these bioactive compounds are betalains, accompanied by other components such as coumarins, carotenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenes, and flavonoids (such as astragalin, tiliroside, rhamnocitrin, kaempferol, and rhamnetin), which possess antioxidant properties. These beneficial compounds in beetroot and its derived products offer many health benefits and potential for preventing and managing various ailments and diseases. Moreover, the diverse phytochemical composition of beetroot makes it a promising source for developing nutraceutical chemicals that can be incorporated into functional foods. From a pharmacological and phytochemical perspective, beetroot exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, significant quantities of by-products such as leaves, stems, and peels are generated during the beetroot processing, often underutilized or discarded as waste. These beetroot by-products possess a wealth of bioactive phytochemicals with potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioenergy production. This chapter explores the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, biological activities, and potential value of beetroot by-products. The introduction emphasizes the economic significance and common uses of beetroots, underscoring the importance of valorizing the by-products. Chemical profiling studies have revealed that beetroot by-products exhibit high betalains, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and dietary fiber levels. Regarding food applications, extracts derived from beetroot by-products can be utilized as natural colorants, preservatives, and functional ingredients. Furthermore, these by-products have non-food applications in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and renewable materials.