Beta vulgaris Ethanolic Root Extract: A Novel Cytoplasmic Dye for Tissue Demonstration

Abstract

This experimental study evaluated the potential of Beta vulgaris root dye as a novel nuclear and cytoplasmic dye. Dyes were extracted from B. vulgaris root using 50% and 80% ethanol, and distilled water at pH 5.0 and 11.0. A total of 66 sections from liver, kidney and testis (22 each) were stained in the extracted dye and evaluated against tissues stained by conventional Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) technique. The result revealed that 50% B. vulgaris ethanol extract at a pH of 5.0 gave the best cytoplasmic staining when compared with other experimental dyes. Tissues stained in equal parts of B. vulgaris and Eosin gave excellent cytoplasmic staining when used as counter (secondary) dyes than conventional H&E technique. However, none of the experimental dyes differentially stained the nuclei in tissues. This study suggests that B. vulgaris ethanolic root extract could be used as a cytoplasmic dye in place of Eosin.