The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):240-249 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15406

Research Article

Protective effects of ethanolic beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extract against heat- and biomass smoke-induced hematological and pulmonary alterations in Wistar rats

Magdalene Imuwaihen Omigie¹ , Daniel O. Edeha¹ , David O. Fayoriju¹

Magdalene Imuwaihen Omigie,Daniel O. Edeha,David O. Fayoriju

1. Department of Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 9th May, 2026 / Accepted: 30th July, 2026 / Published : 31st August, 2026

Abstract

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Background: Exposure to biomass smoke and heat stress constitutes a significant public health burden, particularly in low-resource settings where traditional cooking practices are prevalent. These environmental stressors induce systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to hematological disturbances and pulmonary damage. Although beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is rich in bioactive antioxidants with established health benefits, its protective efficacy against the combined effects of heat and biomass smoke exposure remains inadequately characterized. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ethanolic beetroot extract against hematological alterations and pulmonary histopathology induced by concurrent exposure to heat and biomass smoke in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine adult male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were randomly assigned to seven groups (n=7): control, smoke only, heat only, smoke + heat, smoke + beetroot, heat + beetroot, and smoke + heat + beetroot. Beetroot extract (400 mg/kg) was administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the 28 days experimental period, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia for hematological and histopathological sample collection and analysis. Results: Exposure to smoke and heat significantly reduced total white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels (p < 0.05), while increasing monocyte counts and altering platelet indices. Beetroot treatment markedly restored these parameters to near-control levels. Histopathological examination revealed that beetroot supplementation attenuated alveolar damage, bronchiolar ulceration, and interstitial inflammation induced by smoke and heat exposure. Conclusion: Beetroot extract demonstrates significant hematoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects against heat- and biomass smoke-induced toxicity in Wistar rats, likely attributed to its rich bioactive composition. These findings suggest its potential as a dietary intervention in environmental stress settings, although further studies are warranted to confirm clinical relevance.

Keywords

Beta vulgaris, Biomass Smoke Exposure, Heat Stress, Hematological Parameters, Pulmonary Toxicity, Antioxidant Activity

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