Beta carotene is a vitamin A precursor found in various nutritional supplements and health products. Beta-carotene, with the molecular formula C40H56, belongs to the group of carotenoids consisting of isoprene units.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that presents significant efficacy against the reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen. Beta-carotene acts as a scavenger of lipophilic radicals within the membranes of every cell compartments. It also presents an oxidative modification of LDL. The presence of long chains of conjugated double bonds is responsible for its antioxidative properties by allowing beta-carotene to chelate oxygen-free radicals and dissipate their energy. The chelation of free radicals inhibits the peroxidation of lipids.
The effect of beta-carotene in the immune response is thought to be related to the direct effect on the thymus which increases the production of immune cells.
- Primary indication
- Beta-carotene is FDA approved to be used as a nutrient supplement and to be even added in infant formula as a source of vitamin A.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C40H56 · 536.888 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996
- Also known as
- beta-carotene · Betacarotene
- Code names
- C.I.-40800 · CI 75130 · NSC-62794
- Brand names
Resolves to
OENHQHLEOONYIE-JLTXGRSLSA-NSMILESC\C(\C=C\C=C(/C)\C=C\C1=C(C)CCCC1(C)C)=C/C=C/C=C(\C)/C=C/C=C(\C)/C=C/C1=C(C)CCCC1(C)CWhat you can answer from here — as of November 06, 2025
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Beta carotene, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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