In vitro and in vivo effects of carrot on human blood platelet aggregation

Abstract

SummaryCarrots are a good source of essential nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic compounds and polyacetylenes such as falcarinol. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of a carrot extract on blood platelet aggregation in vitro and the effect of raw diced or juiced carrots on platelet aggregation in a human study. Carrot extract significantly reduced the platelet aggregation in vitro in blood obtained from healthy donors. In a randomised crossover human study, healthy volunteers consumed either 100 g of freshly diced carrots or 100 mL of freshly juiced carrots (with pulp). There was no significant effect on blood platelet aggregation in the participants at 2, 5, 8 and 24 h after the carrot meal due to wide interindividual variations. Further research is required to understand diet, genetics and lifestyle factors that may impact the physiological effects of falcarinol on platelet aggregation and blood flow.