Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review on Daucus carota

Abstract

Daucus carota (D. carota) is rich phytochemical content and has potential pharmacological properties. The root of the carrot serves as a nutritious source of vitamins, particularly notable for its high β-carotene content, which is a precursor to vitamin A. Additionally, it is an excellent source of flavonoids, polyacetylenes, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. These phytochemicals are associated with numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. Recent research has expanded our knowledge of these bioactive compounds, providing insights into their molecular mechanisms of action. This information underscores the relevance of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of carrot phytochemicals in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective activity, antifungal activity, antimicrobial activity, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity, antidiabetic activity, antiulcer activity, cardioprotective activity, antidepressant activity, antidementia effect, and analgesic effect. Moreover, the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of carrot extracts suggest their potential applications in traditional medicine and as complementary treatments in contemporary therapeutic practices.

Keywords

Daucus carota - carrot - pharmacological activity - phytochemistry and bioactive compounds - traditional applications - nutritional composition - toxicological profile traditional Chinese medicine - Chinese herb

Introduction

Natural products, derived from animal, plant, and mineral sources, are a reliable source of new chemical entities for treating various disorders. They can be used directly or converted into potent compounds. Herbal medicines come in various forms like plant extracts, phytochemicals, and polyherbal formulations.[1] The global interest in medicinal plants is on the rise due to their natural origins and potential for treating ailments. Traditional medicine heavily relies on these compounds, which exhibit diverse chemical structures, leading to a broad spectrum of biological activities and therapeutic properties. The use of plants and nutrients for medicinal purposes is becoming more popular, with many people seeking health solutions in various health care settings.[2]

Plants are crucial in traditional medicine, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, where various components are used for medicinal purposes.[3] [4] The discovery of phytoconstituents benefits not only the pharmaceutical industry but also the health care industry, which produces nutritional supplements and other health-related products, as well as the cosmetic industry. Herbal plants are widely utilized to treat a range of ailments, and their popularity has surged globally. Many people are increasingly turning to herbal remedies voluntarily as an alternative to modern pharmaceuticals.[5] Carrots are rich in carotenes and sugars, while their leaves provide protein and are used as animal fodder and poultry feed. Carrot leaves also boost urine production and aid in uric acid elimination.[6] Antioxidants are essential in the medical field, working alongside other therapeutic agents to help manage various health conditions. They can be found in both synthetic and natural forms and have been used for many decades. Many traditional medicinal plants are recognized for their notable antioxidant properties.[7]

The carrot (Daucus carota L.) (D. carota) is a biennial herbaceous plant known for its versatility, rich nutrient profile, vibrant color, distinct flavor, and various health benefits. It plays a significant role as a key crop within the Plantae kingdom, belonging to the Apiaceae family, the Daucus genus, and the D. carota species.[8] Carrots are rich in carotenes and sugars, while their leaves provide protein and are used as animal fodder and poultry feed. Carrot leaves also boost urine production and aid in uric acid elimination.[9]

Carrots are beneficial for recovery and boost antioxidant levels in the blood, enhancing the immune system and supporting the growth of healthy cells. They can help address various infectious diseases, alleviate diarrhea, lower blood cholesterol, and possess antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, and anticancer properties. Fresh carrot roots are composed of approximately 7% carbohydrates, 3% fiber, 1% protein, 0.2% fat, and 88% water. However, they are prone to rapid spoilage during storage, which can lead to significant economic losses for producers.[10] The flavor of fresh carrots is characterized by woody, green, and pungent odors and distinctive terpenoid aromas. Since 1968, studies have examined terpenoids in carrots, identifying over 200 volatile compounds. Terpenoids, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, are the most prevalent in terms of variety and concentration.[11]

Carrot is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, particularly β-carotene.[12] β-carotene is the main carotenoid in carrots, which is widely recognized and extensively studied. Carotenoids are phytonutrients that give distinct yellow, orange, and red colors to fruits and vegetables. In addition to adding color to food, β-carotene offers numerous health benefits due to its strong antioxidant properties. It may help potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases and cancers, boost the immune system, and protect against age-related eye degeneration.[13] The earliest carrots were yellow and purple, but orange carrots gained popularity in Central Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries due to their high provitamin A content.[14] The crop flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions from September to November, whereas temperate climates offer a wider range of cultivation opportunities throughout the year. Carrot seeds require cooler temperatures to grow optimally.[15]

This review article offers an in-depth look at the traditional applications, nutritional composition, Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Activity, and Toxicological Profile of D. carota subspecies.

Traditional Uses and Nutritional Composition

Carrots are a versatile plant with numerous health benefits, including stimulating appetite, astringent for the bowels, and treating dysentery. They have traditionally been used to alleviate conditions like leprosy, pain, and inflammation. Ethnobotanical uses include treating cough, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, malaria, and tumors, acting as an antiseptic, abortifacient, carminative, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic. Carrot is traditionally used to treat urinary tract issues like kidney stones, bladder disorders, water retention, and high uric acid levels. It also treats gout, a joint condition due to excess uric acid. Carrot seed oil is used to manage diarrhea, indigestion, and intestinal gas.[16]

A nutrient content claim either expressly or implicitly characterizes the level of a nutrient in a product (e.g., carbohydrate, fat, and protein), as shown in [Table 1]

Table 1 The nutritional contents of Daucus carota (raw) per 100 g (fresh weight)

Component	Amount (per 100 g FW).	Reference
Proximate
Moisture	86–89 g	19
Carbohydrate	10.60 g
Fat	0.20 g
Protein	0.90 g
Crude fiber	1.20 g
Ash	1.10 g
Total sugar	2.73–11.24 g
Sucrose	0.50–3.30 g
Glucose	0.02–1.70 g
Fructose	0.05–1.50 g
Minerals
Iron	0.30 mg	[13]
Magnesium	12 mg
Phosphorus	35 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Sodium	69 mg
Calcium	33 mg
Zinc	0.24 mg
Manganese	0.14 mg
Vitamin B2	0.06 mg
Vitamin B3	0.98 mg
Folate	19 μg
Vitamin C	5.90 mg

Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compounds

To gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of D. carota, a thorough phytochemical analysis is essential. Many researchers have investigated various subspecies of D. carota to identify and characterize their bioactive compounds in [Table 2]. Among these, terpenoids and phenolics stand out as two important classes of chemicals.[17]

Table 2 Phytoconstituents of different Daucus carota subspecies

Class	Types	Examples	References
Terpenoids	Monoterpenes	Geraniol, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, α-terpinene, β-myrcene, geranyl acetate, linalool, and α-thujone	[15]
	Sesquiterpenes	Bergamotene, humulene, nerolidol, selinene, farnesol, germacrene, carotol, caryophyllene, β-himachalene, and β-bisabolene
	Diterpenes	Phytol, vitamin A, and cembrene
	Triterpenes	Squaline, saponins, and ginsenoide
Phenolics	Phenylpropanoids	Apigenin, quercetin, myristicin, and methylisoeugenol	[20]
	Flavonoids	Luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, myristicin, and kaempferol
	Tannins	Gallic acid and ellagic acid
Carotenoids	Carotenes	β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein (1.9%)
	Xanthophylls	β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and zeaxanthin
Ascorbic acid
Polyacetylenes	Falcarinol, falcarindiol, and falcarindiol-3-acetate

Terpenoids

The terpenoids are further categorized into monoterpenes (like α-pinene and geranyl acetate), sesquiterpenes (such as humulene and carotol), diterpenes (including phytol), triterpenes (like squalene), and tetraterpenes (for instance, α-carotene).[17]

Phenolics Compounds

Phenolic compounds are essential plant metabolites that play a crucial role in human and animal diets, preventing degenerative diseases like cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurodegenerative disorders. Over the past two decades, interest in food phenolics has increased due to their antioxidant properties and ability to combat oxidative stress. These secondary metabolites, consisting of aromatic rings with hydroxyl groups, are essential for plant resilience against stressors like ultraviolet radiation, pathogen attacks, parasites, and herbivores. They also enhance plant sensory qualities and enhance food products. Phenolic compounds can be categorized into phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, lignans, stilbenoids, and curcuminoids. Carrots are known for their high levels of phenolic acids and flavonoid anthocyanins.[18]

Chemical Components of Specific Parts of the Plant

Many researchers have conducted detailed studies on the various subspecies of D. carota to identify and characterize the chemical components of a specific part of the plant, as shown in [Table 3]. The structures of chemical components of D. carota as shown in [Figs. 1] [2] [3] [4].

Table 3 Chemical components of specific part of Daucus carota

Daucus carota ssp.	Plant part	Main components	References
Carota	Flowers	α-pinene (10.9%), α-asarone (9.8%), β-bisabolene (7.6%), β-caryophyllene (7.1%), sabinene (7%), daucol (3.2%), limonene (3%)	[19]
	Seeds	Geranyl acetate (52.45%), cedrone s (14.04%), asarone (11.39%), β-bisobolene (4.83%), ar-himachalene (3.54%)
	Leaves	α-pinene (27.44%), sabinene (25.34%), germacrene d (16.33%)
	Fruits	Geranyl acetate (28.7–65%), α-pinene (13–27.1%), 11αh-himachal-4-en-1-β-ol (0.5–9.4%), limonene (1.2–9%), β-pinene (2.3–4.5%)
	Roots	Sabinene (36.39%), α-pinene (24.56%), limonene (6.53%), β-pinene (5.39%)

Fig. 1 Chemical structures of phenolic phytoconstituents of Daucus carota.

Fig. 2 Chemical structures of carotenoids of Daucus carota.

Fig. 3 Chemical structures of polyacetylenes of Daucus carota.

Fig. 4 Chemical structures of terpenoids of Daucus carota.

Pharmacological Activity

Anti-inflammatory Activity

The ethanolic extract of D. carota seeds was found to have anti-inflammatory properties at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg.kg_–1 body weight, with higher doses showing significant inhibition of paw edema.[19] This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of plant seeds using two methods: protein denaturation inhibition with diclofenac sodium and a rat paw edema model induced by carrageenan with aspirin. Results suggest potential anti-inflammatory properties, but further toxicological and clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects.[20] The study reveals that an essential oil extracted from D. carota ssp. Gummifer upper parts exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the production of nitric oxide in macrophage and microglia cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide.[21]

Antioxidant Activity

The study assessed the antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts from various carrot varieties using peroxide scavenging at different concentrations. The carrots' protein, crude fiber, fat, and carbohydrate contents varied from 6.46 to 10.73%. The extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity even at low concentrations, increasing over time in the order of Amazonia, Kuroda, and Pamela.[22] The antioxidant activity of selected carrot varieties was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at a 515.6 nm wavelength, with a range of 6.88 ± 0.92% to 9.83 ± 0.62%.[23] Researchers suggest carrots' antioxidant properties are largely due to phenolic compounds, caffeoylquinic acids, and chlorogenic acid, which may exhibit potent antioxidant activities.[24] The antioxidant properties of DCOE fractions were also examined in both in vitro and in vivo settings.[25]

Hepatoprotective Activity

The study evaluated the effect of carrot extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage, finding that it significantly reduced CCl4-induced hepatocellular injury.[26] The study explored the liver protection potential of D. carota fruit, revealing that flavonoid-like kaempferol (KF) constituents might be responsible. KF extracted from D. carota effectively restored serum and liver parameters in rats treated with 30% paracetamol in a dose-dependent manner. Biochemical findings were compared with the standard drug silymarin.[27] Another study revealed that the oil fractions from carrots have a distinct chemical composition and show strong hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver toxicity.[25] Carrot extracts significantly reduced the rise in biochemical markers induced by paracetamol, isoniazid, and alcohol in Wistar rats, offering significant protection against liver cell damage.[28] The study revealed that both red and yellow carrot extracts effectively protect against hepatocellular injury, with red carrot showing a higher level of protection.[29]

Antifungal Activity

The study tested the antifungal properties of essential oils from wild D. carota L. against eight bacterial and eight fungal strains using microdilution, finding that both ripe and unripe fruits showed significant biological activity.[30] The study analyzed the chemical composition of essential oils from Algerian D. carota ssp. hispanicus Gouan using GC/RIs and GC–MS. The results showed strong antifungal properties and effective inhibition of aflatoxin production in the root essential oils.[31] Carotol, the primary component of carrot seed oil, exhibited potent antifungal activity, reducing the fungal radial growth by 65% at a specified concentration, against the common phytotoxic fungus Alternaria alternata that affects carrot plants.[32] The study evaluated the antifungal activity of carrot tuber ethanol extract against Candida albicans growth, finding that all tested concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of the bacteria.[33]

Antimicrobial Activity

The study tested the antimicrobial properties of oils extracted from cultivated carrot seeds against four bacterial and two fungal species using the agar dilution method, finding that the commercial oil showed the strongest overall activity.[34] The study assessed the antimicrobial properties against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes, and Aspergillus strains.[35] The study explores the composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils found in carrot parts in Uzbekistan. The oils, primarily from fruits and aerial parts, were found to contain high oxygenated sesquiterpenes and carotol and demonstrated significant activity against the pathogenic fungus C. albicans.[36]

Antibacterial Activity

The study tested the antibacterial properties of carrot leaf extract, finding it to effectively inhibit S. aureus growth. The ethyl acetate (EAE) fraction, at a 20% concentration, showed strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a zone of inhibition measuring 11.27 mm.[37] A separate study was conducted to explore the antibacterial properties of extracts from black carrots (D. carota).[38]

Anticancer Activity

The study evaluated the chemical composition and functional properties of edible and wild carrot subspecies, focusing on identifying compounds with anticancer properties and exploring their potential application in developing new therapeutic strategies.[39] A study was conducted to investigate the potential anticancer properties of extracts from black carrots.[38] The study found that carrot juice extract can induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in leukemia cell lines, with lymphoid cell lines showing more significant effects than myeloid cells. Normal hematopoietic stem cells showed less sensitivity, suggesting carrots may be a valuable source of bioactive compounds for leukemia treatment.[40]

Antidiabetic Activity

The study found that EAE and n-hexane (HEX) fractions showed significant inhibitory activities against a-amylase and a-glucosidase, with AQE and EAE showing strong a-amylase inhibitory activity. AQE, EAE, HEX, and DEE also demonstrated a-glucosidase inhibitory activity, compared with acarbose (ACA) with an IC50 of 5.42 ± 0.20 µg·Ml⁻¹.[41] D. carota seeds extract has been found to have a hypoglycemic effect by boosting insulin secretion and supporting pancreatic health. When combined with glibenclamide, the extract reduced serum glucose levels, but only the 300 mg/kg dose increased insulin levels. Both extract and glibenclamide improved pancreatic acini and islets structure, with the number of islets significantly increased in rats treated with 100 mg/kg of either extract or glibenclamide.[42] The D. carota stalk extract has antidiabetic properties similar to glibenclamide and helps reduce hepatic injury in diabetic rats. Biochemical assays show a significant decrease in liver enzymes, with AST levels decreasing by 11.11% and 15.69% compared with alloxan and glibenclamide, and ALT levels decreasing by -6.82% and -2.38%, respectively.[43]

Antiulcer Activity

DCAE and DCME demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic properties without causing liver, kidney, or pancreatic function issues. D. carota extract provided significant protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers with curative ratios of 46.8% and 68.7% at 250 mg/kg body weight.[44] The study reveals that D. carota's aqueous leaf extract has cytoprotective properties and reduces the secretion of secretagogues, protecting against gastric and duodenal ulcers. It showed significant dose-independent protection against peptic ulcers in all models, comparable to standard drugs like omeprazole, ranitidine, and cimetidine.[45]

Cardioprotective Activity

Researchers have discovered that D. carota may protect the heart from myocardial infarction and maintain its tonicity. They measured serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lipid peroxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac total protein, lipid peroxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. They also assessed cardiac tonicity by analyzing Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase, Mg²⁺ ATPase, and Ca²⁺ ATPase levels in the heart.[46]

Antidepressant Activity

The study evaluated the potential of D. carota as an antidepressant using animal models. Results showed that both fluoxetine and D. carota significantly reduced immobility in tail suspension and forced swim tests compared with the control group. At a dosage of 400 mg.kg^–1, D. carota's antidepressant effects were similar to standard drugs, suggesting it could be beneficial as an adjunct in the treatment of depression.[47]

Antidementia Effect

The study investigated the effects of D. carota seeds on memory in rats. The ethanolic extract of D. carota was administered orally in three doses over 7 days to different groups of rats. Memory was assessed using various behavioral models, including the elevated plus-maze, Hebb-William's maze, and hexagonal swimming pool. Results showed that D. carota extract significantly improved memory in both young and aged rats. Additionally, it reversed amnesia induced by scopolamine and diazepam. The findings suggest D. carota seeds could be a promising candidate for memory enhancement, potentially aiding in Alzheimer's disease management.[48]

Analgesic Effect

The study examined the analgesic properties of D. carota seeds' ethanolic extract in mice at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. Results showed that the extract significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing and alleviated pain in the late phase of the formalin test, targeting both early and late phases of pain.[19]

The Pharmacological Activity of D. carota are shown in [Table 4].

Table 4 Different pharmacological activity of Daucus carota

S. no.	Activity	Method of induction	Dose, route, and duration	Findings	References
1.	Anti-inflammatory activity	The colitis was induced through intrarectal instillation of a 2 mL (4% v/v) acetic acid solution.	7 d pretreatment with D. carota aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg.kg–1, orally)	The study found significant decreases in stool consistency, macroscopical score, colon weight, width, ratio, spleen weight, ulcer area, index, colonic MPO, and nitric oxide.	[50]
2.	Hepatoprotective activity	Thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity	The study used D. carota seeds extract (DCSE) at doses of 200 mg.kg–1 and 400 mg.kg–1, orally for 7 d	Significant decreased in SGPT, SGOT, and ALP levels was observed.	[51]
3.	Anti-cancer activity	Skin papilloma was initiated by DMBA and promoted by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorobol-13- acetate (TPA).	The extract was administered to animals via gavage (0.02 mL of 100% oil), intraperitoneal (0.3 mL of 2% oil), and topical (0.2 mL of 5, 50, and 100% oil) routes for 20 wk	The study found that topical treatments with 50% oil significantly reduced tumor incidence and yield by 30 and 83%, whereas 5% oil reduced tumor yield by 36% Intraperitoneal treatments also reduced tumor yield and volume by 43 and 85%, respectively.	[52]
4.	Antidiabetic	Alloxan-induced diabetic rats	Daucus carota stalk extract 400 mg.kg–1 for 21 d	Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in liver enzymes (AST) −11.11 and −15.69%.	[45]
5.	Anti-ulcer	Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer	Daucus carota intake (250 mg.kg–1 body weight) for 1-month period	Showed significant protection against ethanol induced gastric ulcer with a curative ratio of 46.8 and 68.7%, respectively.	[46]
6.	Cardioprotective	Isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction	Daucus carota 250 and 500 mg.kg–1 for 30 d	The levels of Na+K+ATPase and Mg2+ATPase were decreased and that of Ca2+ATPase was increased in extract-treated group significantly (p < 0.001).	[48]
7.	Antidepressant	5-HTP potentiation of head twitches in mice (HTPPH)	Daucus carota extract 400 mg.kg–1 for 7 d	The animals in the control group experienced a significant reduction in immobility duration in tails suspension and forced swim tests.	[49]
8.	Antidementia activity	Scopolamine induced amnesia	Daucus carota extract 200 and 400 mg.kg–1, orally for 7 d	The study demonstrated significant enhancement in the memory of both young and elderly rats by utilizing elevated plus maze, Hebb Williams maze, and hexagonal swimming pool.	[53]
9.	Analgesic activity	Acetic acid-induced writhing response	Daucus carota extract 200 and 400 mg.kg–1, orally	The study found that the administration of acetic acid significantly reduced the writhing responses induced by intraperitoneal injections.	[21]

Toxicological Profile

A study conducted on Wistar rats assessed the safety of D. carota aerial parts through acute and sub-acute toxicity tests. The acute tests showed no signs of toxicity or mortality at a dosage of 5,000 mg.kg^–1 for HEX, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts. However, the sub-acute tests showed significant changes in body weight, hematological parameters, liver, and kidney function at doses of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg.kg^–1. The study concluded that D. carota aerial parts may pose risks to livestock, potentially leading to liver and kidney damage, tissue injury, and other health issues.[49]

Conclusion

Daucus carota, is a highly significant vegetable due to its abundant phytochemical content and potential pharmacological properties. The root of the carrot serves as a nutritious source of vitamins, particularly notable for its high β-carotene content, which is a precursor to vitamin A. Additionally, it is an excellent source of flavonoids, polyacetylenes, phenolic acids, and carotenoids. These phytochemicals are associated with numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects.

Recent research has expanded our knowledge of these bioactive compounds, providing insights into their molecular mechanisms of action. This information underscores the relevance of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of carrot phytochemicals in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and certain cancers. Moreover, the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of carrot extracts suggest their potential applications in traditional medicine and as complementary treatments in contemporary therapeutic practices.

Despite the advancements in understanding the pharmacological potential of D. carota, additional research is essential to ascertain the bioavailability and effectiveness of its bioactive compounds in human health. This will involve the standardization of formulations, conducting clinical trials, and performing in-depth mechanistic studies to translate promising laboratory findings into practical health benefits.

Daucus carota represents a vital resource both nutritionally and pharmacologically. With its potential therapeutic applications, it could emerge as a primary focus for future natural product research.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

CRediT Authorship Contribution Statement

Mohd Adnan: Writing -original draft. Tarique Mahmood: Conceptualization. Vaseem Ahamad Ansari: Validation and Writing-review & editing. Farogh Ahsan: Formal analysis. Shahzadi Bano: Software. Bushra Imran: Formal analysis and data curation. Ghadi Daoud: Resources and software.

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Publication History

Received: 22 June 2025

Accepted: 30 July 2025

Article published online:
30 December 2025