Ayari Ala, Jedidi Saber, Sammari Houcem, Dhawefi Nourhene, Wahabi Soumaya, Sebai Hichem
University of Jendouba, Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bio-Resources, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Béja, Béja, Tunisia.
University of Jendouba, National Institute of Technologies and Sciences of Kef (NITeK), Le Kef, Tunisia.
Physiol Rep. 2025 Sep;13(17):e70467. doi: 10.14814/phy2.70467.
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent and difficult bowel movements, hard stool consistency, and delayed intestinal transit. The present study evaluated the phytochemical profile and physiological effects of the aqueous extract of beetroot leaves (AEBL) in a rat model of Loperamide (LOP)-induced constipation. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6): two controls (normal and constipated) and four constipated groups receiving either increasing doses of AEBL (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, b.w.) or yohimbine (YOH; 2 mg/kg, b.w.) as a reference prokinetic agent. Treatments were administered orally 1 h after LOP intoxication for seven consecutive days. The phytochemical screening revealed that AEBL is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and betalains. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) demonstrated strong radical scavenging activity. In vivo, the oral administration of AEBL showed no signs of toxicity or abnormal behavior in rats, with an LD greater than 2000 mg/kg bw. Additionally, AEBL significantly improved stool frequency and gastrointestinal motility, reduced oxidative stress, restored antioxidant defenses, rebalanced serum electrolytes, and attenuated LOP-induced inflammation. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced mucosal integrity and preservation of colonic architecture. These results support the potential of beetroot leaf extract as a natural, multi-targeted therapeutic strategy for alleviating constipation and associated gastrointestinal dysfunctions.
便秘是一种常见的胃肠道疾病，其特征为排便次数少且困难、大便干结以及肠道运输延迟。本研究在洛哌丁胺（LOP）诱导的便秘大鼠模型中评估了甜菜根叶水提取物（AEBL）的植物化学特征和生理效应。将36只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为六组（n = 6）：两个对照组（正常和便秘）以及四个便秘组，分别给予递增剂量的AEBL（100、200或400 mg/kg，体重）或育亨宾（YOH；2 mg/kg，体重）作为参考促动力剂。在LOP中毒1小时后连续7天口服给药。植物化学筛选显示AEBL富含多酚、黄酮类化合物和甜菜色素。抗氧化试验（DPPH和ABTS）表明其具有较强的自由基清除活性。在体内，口服AEBL在大鼠中未显示出毒性迹象或异常行为，其半数致死量大于2000 mg/kg体重。此外，AEBL显著改善了大便频率和胃肠动力，降低了氧化应激，恢复了抗氧化防御能力，重新平衡了血清电解质，并减轻了LOP诱导的炎症。组织学分析证实黏膜完整性增强且结肠结构得以保留。这些结果支持了甜菜根叶提取物作为一种天然的、多靶点治疗策略来缓解便秘及相关胃肠道功能障碍的潜力。
