Effect of ethanolic extract of beet roots and leaves on motor coordination in male Wistar rats

Having no motor coordination happens due to different factors such as nervous cerebral damages, muscular problems, anemia, and consuming drugs. Previous studies have shown different effects of beet (Beta vulgaris) such as, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, anti-acetylecholinstrase activity and reducing blood glucose. This study was aimed to examine the effect of ethanolic extract of beet roots and leaves on motor coordination. In this experimental study, beet ethanolic extracts were prepared from roots and leaves using maceration method. Wistar rats (200-250 gr.) were randomly divided into 7 groups of 8 rats and then saline or beet extracts were injected distilled water, extracts prepared from roots doses (500, 250 and 1000 mg/kg) and leaves (50, 100 mg/kg) for 25 days. In day 26, 30 min. after last injection, motor coordination was evaluated by rotarod. Extracts prepared from beet roots increased motor activity in doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Extract prepared from beet leaves improved motor coordination in dose of 50 mg/kg (P<0.05), but dose of 100 mg/kg did not demonstrate significant effect compared to the control group. Ethanolic extracts prepared from roots and leaves of beet improve motor coordination in male adult rats.