Betalains: colours for human health

Abstract

In the last years, the use of natural phytochemical compounds as protective agents in the prevention and treatment of obesity and the related-metabolic syndrome has gained much attention worldwide. Different studies have shown health benefits for many vegetables such Opuntia ficus-indica and Beta vulgaris and their pigments collectively referred as betalains. Betalains exert antioxidative, anti-inflammation, lipid lowering, antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. This review summarizes findings in the literature and highlights the therapeutic potential of betalains and their natural source as valid alternative for supplementation in obesity-related disorders treatment. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these natural pigments exert their beneficial effects and to translate the promising findings from animal models to humans.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Betalains
• metabolic syndrome
• obesity
• Opuntia ficus indica

Authors’ contributions

PC designed and drafted the manuscript. ST contributed to revising individual sections. AA had primary responsibility for the final content. All the authors contributed to revising all and have read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have not received any funding to support this work.