A novel beta-carotene–associated carrot (Daucus carota L.) pectic polysaccharide.

Objective: Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutritional source with enriched b-carotene (0.01%) and
pectins (0.8%). Although studies have highlighted the association between b-carotene and carrot
pectic polysaccharide (CRPP), the precise binding of b-carotene to CRPP and its biological implications
were not yet clearly understood. The aim of the present study is to report for the first time a
natural carbohydrate polymerdCRPPdwith associated b-carotene.
Methods: The presence of b-carotene in CRPP and its binding is demonstrated by various studies
including differential extraction followed by liquid chromatography (LC), liquid chromatography
mass spectrometry (LC MS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, we show
the binding via its release from CRPP using LC, fermentation studies and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) studies. The role of b-carotene in induction of apoptosis and the galactic-3
inhibitory property was also studied.
Results: The presence of b-carotene in CRPP was demonstrated, as well as an association between
b-carotene and CRPP, apoptotic and galectin-3 inhibitory properties of CRPP, and upregulation of
connexin 43 by CRPP.
Conclusion: The data highlights that with the combination of b-carotene with CRPP, the prooxidant
effect of b-carotene may be reduced, an apoptotic effect may be enhanced, and the anticancer
potential of CRPP thus may be strengthened via galectin-3 inhibition.