The fruit has a characteristic yellow-orange color due to the presence of carotenoids, predominantly β-carotene(pro-vitamin A), which makes the extraction of carotenoids from this fruit commercially important. Among carotenoids, beta carotene is the most commonly found substance in dietary supplements. Majority of the colors in fruits and plants are primarily due to this particular pigment.
β-Carotene is a secondary metabolite synthesized by plants and belongs to an unoxidized compound group of carotenoids. Being a polyene compound, derived from the acyclic structure, C40H56 possesses a long chain of conjugated double bonds. The high temperature promotes the isomerization of double bonds, which results in brightening of the resulting color.
β -carotene from fruit may enhance LDL degradation and prevent cardiovascular disease and lower the risk of various cancer disease because carotenoids are among the most effective singlet oxygen quenchers in nature. Other functions of β-carotene in the human body including the important one is related to provitamin A supply, further affecting embryonic development, correct growth, and sight. It is considered as an inhibitor of some genes; moreover, it exhibits anticancer and antioxidant properties.
A number of studies have already been done on β-carotene as a free radical scavenging agent. The studies have proved to be significant in terms of its antioxidant effect. It was also found that the free radical scavenging activity of carotenoids was enhanced when combined with several other antioxidants like vitamin E.
β-carotene antioxidant activities
