EFFECTS OF BEETROOT FRUIT POWDER ON RENAL OXIDATIVE MARKERS IN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE EXPOSED TO MALE WISTAR RATS.

This study investigated the protective effects of beetroot fruit powder (BFP) on renal oxidative markers in male Wistar rats exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG, a common flavor enhancer, has been reported to induce oxidative stress and renal damage through the excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Beetroot fruit powder, rich in antioxidants such as betalains, nitrates, and polyphenols, may counteract these effects. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, MSG only, MSG + low-dose BFP, MSG + high-dose BFP, and MSG recovery group. All treatments were administered orally for 21 days. Body weight, kidney weight, and renal oxidative markers were evaluated using standard biochemical assays, and histopathological analyses were performed. Results showed that MSG exposure significantly reduced body weight gain and kidney weight, indicating nephrotoxic effects. Supplementation with BFP, particularly at high doses, markedly improved these parameters and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histological observations confirmed improved renal structure in BFP-treated groups compared with MSG-only rats. These findings demonstrate that beetroot fruit powder exerts a nephroprotective effect against MSG-induced oxidative stress, likely due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that dietary supplementation with beetroot fruit powder may serve as a natural therapeutic approach for preventing MSG-related renal dysfunction. Keywords: Beetroot fruit powder, Monosodium glutamate, Oxidative stress, Kidney, Antioxidants, Wistar rats.