QUALITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris L.) AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF HEALTH-PROMOTING BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Abstract

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) contains various phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites, whose composition may vary with plant material, processing, and extraction conditions. This study aimed to qualitatively characterize the phytochemical profile of beetroot based on selected secondary-metabolite groups. A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted using beetroot obtained from Al Ittifaq Plantation, Ciwidey, West Java, Indonesia. Botanical identification was performed at the Herbarium Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, with voucher specimen No. 95/HB/01/2026. Qualitative screening for alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, quinones, saponins, steroids-triterpenoids, and monoterpenoids-sesquiterpenoids was performed using specific reagent-based tests. Positive reactions were observed for alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, quinones, and saponins, whereas tannins, steroids-triterpenoids, and monoterpenoids-sesquiterpenoids were not detected under the applied conditions. These findings provide a preliminary qualitative phytochemical profile of the tested beetroot material and support further research on its potential as a functional food or nutraceutical source.