alpha-carotene

Alpha-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid found in various fruits and vegetables. It is structurally similar to beta-carotene but contains a beta- and an epsilon-ring at opposite ends of its molecule. As a provitamin A compound, alpha-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A, which plays essential roles in immune function, cellular communication, growth and development, and reproduction[1][3][4]. Higher serum concentrations of alpha-carotene have been associated with lower risks of cancer and all-cause mortality[5]. Mechanistically, alpha-carotene has demonstrated anti-metastatic properties in preclinical studies by inhibiting integrin β1-mediated phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), thereby reducing MAPK pathway activation; it also suppressed lung metastasis when combined with taxol in animal models[5]. Alpha-carotene acts as an antioxidant and plant metabolite.

Other names

α-caroteneall-trans-alpha-carotene