It has been reported that betanin induces the antioxidant response mediated by the Nrf2 pathway and its downstream proteins NQO1 (Nqo1 gene) and HO-1 (Hmox1 gene) in HepG2 hepatoma cells [90], as well as the induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP), glutathione S-transferase mu (GSTM) and NQO1, via the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases [41]. Here, HMOX1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.