Carrot
BOTANY
Daucus carota L. belongs to the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae) and the term carrot is commonly used
for both the plant and its edible part.
It is a biennial plant that is characterized by a deep branched root; a 30-100 cm high solid, striated,
downy and floriferous stem; compound pinnate leaves; and white umbelliform inflorescences, with a dark
maroon central flower. Flowering occurs in the summer. The fruit is an achene covered by spurs. During
the first year the plant develops the edible part, its main root, and in the second year seed formation
takes place.
Carrots are native to Europe and Asia, and they grow on semi-dry, sandy and coastal land. Their
cultivation has grown dramatically in recent years, both in terms of surface and production, as this is one
of the most produced vegetables in the world. Asia is the largest producer, followed by Europe and the
US.
The carrot is obtained from the root of Daucus carota.
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CHEMISTRY
The composition of carrots is rich and varied as detailed below, in Table 1.
Chemical composition of carrots (per 100 g)
Proteins
1g
Carbohydrates
5.2-7.3 g
Lipids
0.24 g
Fiber
2.9-3.4 g
Carotene
8,000-12,000 UI
Vitamin B1(thiamin)
0.06 mg
Vitamin B2(riboflavin)
0.05 mg
Vitamin B3(niacin)
0.6 mg
Vitamin B6(pyridoxine)
0.10 mg
Vitamin E
0.6 mg
Vitamin C
8 mg
Vitamin K
80 μg
Folic acid
18 μg
Table 1. Approximate composition of carrots (Alonso, J., 2004).
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are multi-coloured compounds that occur naturally and are abundant as pigments in plants.
Carrots are rich in carotenoids, the main responsible for their color. The predominant carotenoids are βcarotene (45-80%), α-carotene (15-40%) and γ-carotene (2-10%).
Essential oil
α-pinene,
camphene,
β-pinene,
limonene,
γ-terpinene,
terpinolene,
myrcene,
α-terpinene,
caryophylene,
p-cymene,
β-bisabolene,
γ-
bisabolene, heptanol, octanol, nonanol, 2-nonenal, terpinen-4-ol, αterpineol, bornyl acetate, 2,4-decadienal, dodecanal and falcarinol have
been detected.
Vitamins
Carrots contain many vitamins, including vitamin E (tocopherols family), which take different forms: α, β
and δ (Carreras M., 2000). The antioxidant activity of tocopherols increases in the series α→δ. The
opposite occurs with vitamin activity and with the rate of reaction with peroxide radicals (Belitz, H.D. &
Grosch, W., 1997).
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Minerals
Table 2 details the main minerals present in carrots.
Minerals
mg/100 g
Iron
2.1 mg
Calcium
37 mg
Magnesium
17 mg
Phosphorus
36 mg
Potassium
290 mg
Sodium
60 mg
Fluoride
0.04 mg
Table 2. Minerals found in carrots (Alonso, J., 2004).
TRADITIONAL USES
Carrots are a species cultivated and consumed even since
the times of the Greeks and Romans. During the first years
of their cultivation, their roots were purplish. The change to
their current orange color was caused by the selections that
occurred around the year 1700 in the Netherlands, which
provided
a
large
amount
of
carotene,
the
pigment
responsible for the color and that is the basis of the current
plant material.
Carrots are considered to have remineralizing, diuretic and,
especially, tonic and anti-anemic properties. They are also
considered to be an intestinal cleanser. Moreover, they are
reputed to be very effective for sight protection.
It is said that chewing carrots right after eating eliminates
harmful germs in the mouth, cleans teeth, removes food debris and prevents bleeding gums and tooth
decay. Formerly, grated carrot was given to children as a treatment to eliminate pinworms.
COSMETIC PROPERTIES
Moisturizing restoring activity of the barrier function
This activity is mainly due to carbohydrate and protein content.
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Carbohydrates have the capacity to absorb and retain water under certain conditions. Some
carbohydrates can remain on the stratum corneum surface, acting as humectant and filmogenic
substances that considerably improve the biomechanical properties of skin. Humectant agents are
compounds that help maintain moisture balance in the skin, provide flexibility to the stratum corneum,
facilitate desquamation as they act on corneodesmosomes, and affect the lipids responsible for the
barrier function. Filmogenic agents are macromolecules that remain on the surface of the stratum
corneum, where they retain water and improve the barrier function.
Challoner, NI. et al (1997) assessed the moisturizing effect of different
proteins, including vegetal origin proteins and their derivatives. In a first
assay, they assessed the moisturizing effect of an O/W emulsion
containing 1% of a hydrolyzed protein component. Results showed that
the emulsion containing the hydrolyzed protein component caused a
significant increase in the immediate extensibility (Ie) of skin. The
tensing effect of two high molecular weight proteins in aqueous
solution was also evaluated. Results showed that protein incorporation
in an aqueous formulation produced a significant decrease in Ie during
the treatment period. This fact was attributed to the formation of a film on the skin surface that provided a
tensing effect.
Low molecular weight proteins increase skin elasticity, while high molecular weight proteins, with the
protective film they create, are good strengthening, firming and smoothing agents. As a result, the
negative effects of aging on the biomechanical properties of skin can be counteracted.
Therefore, Carrots are useful for the formulation of cosmetic products with a moisturizing, emollient and
soothing action.
Regenerating and anti-aging activity
Carrots are rich in carotenes, predominantly β-carotene, which is a known precursor of vitamin A. It has
been confirmed that β-carotene also transforms into this vitamin when applied topically, as the enzymes
and conditions required for its conversion to vitamin A are also found in the skin (Antille, C. et al, 2004).
When applied topically, vitamin A helps maintain normal skin conditions, promotes proper skin
metabolism and improves healing and dryness, while significantly decreasing the effects of aging on skin
condition (CIV., 1992; Campos, PM., 1998). Vitamin A has multiple effects on mature skin: it activates the
formation of skin proteins such as collagen and the formation of a thicker epidermis covered by a better
layer of keratin, it stimulates the general metabolism of cells and cell mitosis, it increases skin's elasticity
and smoothness, and it is essential for basal cell reproduction and their proper differentiation (Idson, B.,
1993).
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It has been observed that vitamin A increases skin cell regeneration by 30%, and there is a thickening of
the epidermis when applied topically. As a result, the decrease in skin thickness typical of aging is largely
avoided. It has also been found that topically it can reduce wrinkles and repair damage from harmful or
excessive solar radiation, and together with its predecessor, β-carotene, they protect the skin from the
potential damage and dehydration caused by UV radiation. In addition, β-carotene reduces or prevents
peroxidation and skin roughness induced by this type of radiation (CIV., 1992; Idson, B., 1993; Erlemann,
GA., 1988).
Moreover, vitamin A is interesting for its regenerative properties in wounds, as it increases
epithelialization, collagen synthesis, fibroplasia and angiogenesis, as well as being important for the
proper operation and maintenance of the immune system (Keller, KL., Fenske, NA., 1998; Reifen, R.,
2002).
In consequence, taking into account all the information mentioned above, Carrots are highly
recommended to formulate anti-aging, repairing and regenerating cosmetic products for skin and hair.
Sun application
Smit, N. et al (2004) demonstrated that a fraction rich in plant
carotenoids and vitamins C and E, as it is the case in carrots,
increases
the
growth
and
pigmentation
of
melanocytes
in
monocultures, in addition to protecting against UVA radiation.
On the other hand, in 1997 Postaire, E. et al conducted a study on
20 volunteers to observe the role of the intake of some known
antioxidants (carotenes, vitamin E and C) in skin pigmentation,
without any sun exposure. After several weeks, results indicated
that the levels of melanin found in the skin were statistically higher,
changing skin coloration to darker skin.
In addition, it has been observed that the application of retinoic acid (vitamin A) increases
melanogenesis in animals exposed to solar radiation and with a certain degree of pigmentation. Welsh,
B.M. et al (1999) also demonstrated that retinoic acid increases melanogenesis stimulated by ultraviolet
radiation, and increases the number of melanocytes and melanogenesis. Therefore, this vitamin is a
powerful modulator of melanocytes and it makes them more sensitive to activation by solar radiation.
Photoprotective products are essential for a responsible exposure of skin to the action of the sun,
protecting it from the harmful effects of the different sun radiations. Biological sunscreens are antioxidant
agents that prevent the formation of free radicals, strengthening the skin’s immune subsystem. Biological
sunscreens are being increasingly used, and vitamins A (β-carotenes), C and E are the most commonly
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used. Research has shown that these vitamins, when applied topically, have antiradical properties and
act against skin aging and the alterations resulting from prolonged sun exposure.
Retinoids such as vitamin A and its precursors (carotenoids) are powerful
antioxidants that protect against sun exposure and related epidermal
damage, because, among many other actions, they reduce inflammation,
boost the immune system and reduce peroxidation and skin roughness after
exposure to UV rays (Idson, B., 1993; Keller, KL., Fenske, NA., 1998).
Tocopherols are highly effective antioxidant agents. These active principles
are responsible for protecting the oils and lipids in cell membranes and cell
organelles against oxidation. α-tocopherol, or vitamin E, is the tocopherol
type with the greatest biological activity in the body and it is highly important for skin (Le Poole, H.A.C.,
1995).
Therefore, Carrots are interesting for cosmetic products aimed at safely promoting and prolonging tan.
COSMETIC APPLICATIONS
Action
Active ingredient
Cosmetic application
Carbohydrates
Moisturizing and restoring activity of
Proteins
the barrier function
Fatty acids
Emollient
Smoothing
Moisturizing
Vitamins
Regenerating and anti-aging activity
Sun
Carotenes
Anti-aging
Vitamins
Hair and skin repairers
Carotenes
Tan accelerator and extender
Vitamins
Facilitate tanning
Photoprotective
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Recommended dosage ranges between 0.5% and 5.0%.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alonso, J. Tratado de Fitofármacos y Nutracéuticos. Barcelona: Corpus, 2004, p: 1121-1124 (633.8
ALO).
Antille, C., Tran, C., Sorg, O., Saurat, JH. Topical beta-carotene is converted to retinyl esters in human
skin ex vivo and mouse skin in vivo. Exp Dermatol, 2004; 13(9): 558-61.
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Belitz, H.D. & Grosch, W. Química de los alimentos. Zaragoza: ed. Acribia, 1997; capítulos 3, 6 y 14 (ref.
613 BEL).
Campos, P.M., Eccleston, G.M. Vitamin A Skin Penetration. Cosmetics and Toiletries, 1998; vol 113 (7):
69-72 (ref. 2754).
Challoner, NI. et al. Cosmetic Proteins for Skin Care. Cosmetics & Toiletries 1997, 112 (12):51-63
(ref.2453).
CIV. El importante papel de las vitaminas en la cosmética. El farmacéutico, 1992; 114: 89-90 (ref. 1200).
Erlemann, G.A. Las vitaminas en cosmética. NCP, 1988; vol 153: 21-25 (ref. 1199).
Idson, B. Vitamins and the skin. Cosmetics and Toiletries, 1993; vol. 108: 79-94 (ref. 1202).
Keller, K.L. et al. Uses of vitamins A, C and E and related compounds in dermatology: a review. Journal
of American Academy of Dermatology, 1998; vol 39: 611-625 (ref. 3805).
Le Poole, H.A.C. Natural oils and fats multifunctional ingredients for skin care. Cosmetics & Toiletries
Manufacture Worldwide, 1995; p: 47-56 (ref. 644).
Postaire, E., Jungmann, H., Bejot, M., Heinrich, U., Tronnier, H. Evidence for antioxidant nutrientsinduced pigmentation in skin: results of a clinical trial. Biochem Mol Biol Int., 1997 Aug; 42(5): 1023-33.
Reifen, R. Vitamin A as anti-inflammatory agent. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2002; vol 61: 397400 (ref. 6237).
Smit, N., Vicanova, J., Cramers, P., Vrolijk, H., Pavel, S. The combined effects of extracts containing
carotenoids and vitamins E and C on growth and pigmentation of cultured human melanocytes. Skin
Pharmacol Physiol., 2004 Sep-Oct; 17(5): 238-45.
Welsh, B.M., Mason, R.S., Halliday, G.M. Topical all-trans retinoic acid augments ultraviolet radiationinduced increases in activated melanocyte numbers in mice. J Invest Dermatol., 1999 Mar; 112(3): 2718.
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