Anti-nociceptive potential of lyophilized Beta vulgaris L. (Beet root) powder.

Pain is a very common symptom and pain management is most important challenge to alleviate the suffering and for improving the quality of life of those living with chronic pain. Beet root is a vegetable consumed as salad and present study is designed to evaluate the analgesic activity of its lyophilized extract. The study was conducted in 2016 (March) on albino mice of both sexes weighing 18-25 gm, divided into groups comprising of 10 animals each. Group I was taken as control and administered 0.1ml distilled water orally. Group II was labeled as Treated and administered lyophilized beet root in the dose of 1000mg/kg. Group III was taken as Standard and was given acetyl salicylic acid 300mg/60kg. Analgesic activity was evaluated using Hot plate apparatus, Tail Flick method and Writhing method. Results showed significant (p<0.001) analgesic effect by beet root as compared to control. Beet root also showed significant (p<0.001) effect as compared to standard but the effect was not seen from the beginning indicating its role in the second phase of analgesia. This study suggests that beet root powder possesses analgesic potential and can be used for central as well as for peripheral analgesia.