Carrot Plant-A Potential Source of High Value Compounds and Biological Activities: A Review

Abstract

Essential oil of carrot is produced and accumulated in the secretary ducts known as vittae. Phytochemical studies have shown that the major chemical components of carrot plant are polyphenols, flavonols, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, sesquiterpenoids and essential oil. Chemical constituents of carrot seed essential oil obtainedby hydrodistillation have been the subject of frequent researches. The composition of essential oil varies with plant parts. The carrot essential oil possesses biological activities like antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, herbicidal, antioxidant, anticancer etc. The health benefits of carrot essential oil can be attributed to its antiseptic, disinfectant, detoxifying, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, tonic, carminative, depurative, diuretic and stomachic properties.Major components present in different parts of carrot plant are listed along with their chemical composition. The morphological details of plant, its essential oil, chemicalconstituents and biological activities have been discussed in this review.