Abstract 

      The purpose of this lab is to test the effectiveness of betalains from the beet plant for anti-inflammation use. The effectiveness will be compared with a popular drug, Ibuprofen, that reduces inflammation. This can potentially create a natural alternative to common drugs that may have negative side effects. The pigments that give beets their rich colors are called betalains, these are also a source of phytonutrients. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are the two best-studied betalains from beets; both of these betalains have been shown to provide antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. In the experiment Pseudomonas aeruginosa will be added to the worms to induce inflammation. Then betalains would be added to the C. Elegans to reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen will also be added to one group, serving as a comparison for the beet betalains. Growth is the dependent variable in this lab; the control group will have no added agents. The predicted outcome for this experiment is that the results of the worms with the betalains would be similar to those with ibuprofen. This concept is important in the scientific world because it could potentially develop a natural anti-inflammatory which can avoid the side effects of common drugs.