The effects of beetroot juice on the progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Mikaella Mishiev, Juliana Caulkins, Anita Shaw
American Heritage School, Plantation, Florida
Publication date: November 20, 2025
American Heritage School, Plantation, Florida
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II02
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of high nitrate concentration beetroot juice on the pathophysiological progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, utilizing a Drosophila melanogaster model. Four diets, consisting of different concentrations of beetroot juice (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%), were prepared and administered to dystrophic flies (Bloomington #27579) and wild type flies (Carolina Stocks #172100). Muscle function was assessed using a negative geotaxis assay, which recorded the percentage of flies to reach 8 centimeters in 12 seconds, and with the Drosophila Activity Monitor which measured the number of times individual flies crossed the center of a small tube. Nitrite levels, an indirect measurement of nitric oxide, were assessed with a nitric oxide assay kit. Data from this study indicates that walking frequency increased in the dystrophic flies fed 10%, 25%, and 50% beetroot juice diets, while climbing ability improved in those fed 25% and 50% beetroot juice diets. Nitric oxide levels significantly increased in the dystrophic flies fed a 50% beetroot juice diet. Beetroot juice improved muscle function and mitigated the effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Drosophila melanogaster. Beetroot juice also partially restored the nitric oxide levels in the dystrophic flies, suggesting increased vasodilation and mitochondrial efficiency. This study suggests that patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy may benefit from a diet rich in beetroot juice. This study may have implications on future pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product development which may be able to combat this currently incurable disease.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of high nitrate concentration beetroot juice on the pathophysiological progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, utilizing a Drosophila melanogaster model. Four diets, consisting of different concentrations of beetroot juice (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%), were prepared and administered to dystrophic flies (Bloomington #27579) and wild type flies (Carolina Stocks #172100). Muscle function was assessed using a negative geotaxis assay, which recorded the percentage of flies to reach 8 centimeters in 12 seconds, and with the Drosophila Activity Monitor which measured the number of times individual flies crossed the center of a small tube. Nitrite levels, an indirect measurement of nitric oxide, were assessed with a nitric oxide assay kit. Data from this study indicates that walking frequency increased in the dystrophic flies fed 10%, 25%, and 50% beetroot juice diets, while climbing ability improved in those fed 25% and 50% beetroot juice diets. Nitric oxide levels significantly increased in the dystrophic flies fed a 50% beetroot juice diet. Beetroot juice improved muscle function and mitigated the effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Drosophila melanogaster. Beetroot juice also partially restored the nitric oxide levels in the dystrophic flies, suggesting increased vasodilation and mitochondrial efficiency. This study suggests that patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy may benefit from a diet rich in beetroot juice. This study may have implications on future pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product development which may be able to combat this currently incurable disease.
