The Effect of Beta vulgaris Extract on Experimental Selenium Poisoning in Rats

Selenium poisoning can occur in human and animals due to excess intake of selenium compounds. Considering the tissue oxidative damage in toxic amounts of Selenium, the present study was conducted to evaluated the effect of Beta vulgaris extract, a plant containing antioxidant compounds, on the treatment of experimentally induced selenosis. 

In this study, 32 rats were divided into four equal groups: control group, the second group received 6 mg/kg  of sodium selenite daily, the third and fourth groups received the same amount of sodium selenite along with the oral administration of 240 and 500 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Beta vulgaris respectively, for ten days. At the end of the study, serum levels of total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. Pathologic changes in liver, kidney, heart, brain, lung, skin tissues and hair were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Serum levels of total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP in the group receiving extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg along with sodium selenite showed a significant decrease compared to those in the group receiving sodium selenite (P < 0.05). Concentrations of GPX, SOD, and CAT in the group receiving sodium selenite and the extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg were significantly higher than those in the group receiving sodium selenite alone (P < 0.05). Also in this group pathologic changes in the above mentioned tissues were significantly reduced compared to those in the group receiving Selenium alone(P < 0.05).

The results revealed that Beta vulgaris extract can reduce the biochemical, oxidative stress and pathological effects of experimental selenosis