Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene is a terpenoid carotene with an orange pigment and high in vitamin A.  It is found in carrots, sea buckthorn, marigolds, mango, cantaloupe, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, apricots, and even kale and spinach.

Links to Plants Containing Beta-Carotene

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Beta-carotene and apiol from parsley demonstrated antioxidant activity.  From:  Zhang, H., Chen, F., Wang, X., & Yao, H. Y. (2006). Evaluation of antioxidant activity of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil and identification of its antioxidant constituents. Food Research International, 39(8), 833-839.

SUNSCREEN

• Combining antioxidants and UV-filters in sunscreens could be advantageous.  From:  Freitas, J. V., Praca, F. S. G., Bentley, M. V. L. B., & Gaspar, L. R. (2015). Trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene from sunscreens penetrate viable skin layers and reduce cutaneous penetration of UV-filters. International journal of pharmaceutics, 484(1-2), 131-137.

SKIN

• In a study with 43 white males, ingesting beta-cerotene improved skin color and attractiveness to women, but had little benefit on overall health.  From:  Foo, Y. Z., Rhodes, G., & Simmons, L. W. (2017). The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans. Behavioral Ecology, 28(2), 570-578.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 1/12/19