Effects of Chard ( B eta Vulgaris L . Var. Cicla) on Cardiac Damage in Valproic Acid–Induced Toxicity

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chard on valproic acid ( VPA )‐induced cardiac damage. Female S prague‐ D awley rats were grouped as control, chard given control (100 mg/kg/day, by gavage), VPA (500 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and chard given VPA (100 mg/kg/day chard by gavage, 500 mg/kg/day VPA , intraperitoneally). The aqueous extracts of chard leaves were given 1 h prior to administration of VPA for 7 days. Malondialdehyde ( MDA ), total sialic acid ( SA ) levels and catalase ( CAT ) activity significantly increased in the VPA group compared with the control group ( P  < 0.05). Chard administration significantly decreased MDA and SA levels in the control and in the VPA groups ( P  < 0.05). Chard administration also significantly increased CAT activities and glutathione levels both in the control and in the VPA groups ( P  < 0.05). As a conclusion, chard consumption may prevent cardiac tissue from oxidative stress and inflammation in VPA ‐induced toxicity. Practical Applications Valproic acid ( VPA ) is an antiepileptic drug and has severe toxic effects in experimental animals and humans. Chard ( B eta vulgaris   L . var. cicla) has antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor and hepatoprotective effects. Its protective effects against VPA toxicity have not been fully investigated yet. According to the results of this study, chard ( B . vulgaris   L . var. cicla) can be used as a dietary food supplement in the epilepsy treatment. The beneficial effect of chard consumption is an important finding in a nutritional point of view as chard contains many significant bioactive constituents for a healthy diet.