Beta vulgaris L. is an edible plant with health-beneficial activities. The profile of betaxanthins is more complex than previously described in beetroot cultivars. Twenty-four betaxanthins were detected in extracts of the peel and flesh of five cultivars by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, of which two new betaxanthins (arginine-Bx and ornithine-Bx) were detected for the first time in B. vulgaris cultivars. The content of betaxanthins in the studied cultivars decreased in the Tytus > Ceryl > Chrobry > Forono > Boldor sequence. The highest content of compounds (1231 mg/100 g DE) was observed in the Tytus cultivar (peel). The peel of B. vulgaris, which is often considered a waste, appeared to be a richer source of betaxanthins compared to its flesh. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined against twenty-three microorganisms. Tytus (peel) showed a moderate or good bactericidal effect, especially against the majority of Gram-positive bacteria as well as against most of the tested fungi (MIC = 0.125-0.5 mg/mL) and additionally characterized by low cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous cells (CC50 = 405 μg/mL, CC50-50% cytotoxic concentration). Tytus flesh also showed a high cytotoxicity value against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), with CC50 of 282 μg/mL. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the betaxanthin profiles and antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Arginine-Bx, proline-Bx, and tryptophan-Bx were indicated as active against HeLa and the colon cancer cell line (RKO), while asparagine-Bx and phenylalanine-Bx was responsible for activity against all tested bacterial and yeast species. The significant effectiveness and safety of these beetroots make indicated compounds promising applicants as antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
Keywords: Beta vulgaris L.; LC-MS; anticancer; antimicrobial; betaxanthins; cytotoxicity; metabolites; natural pigments.