Biological activities of root extract of the purple carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. 'Purple Sun'

As part of the IDENTIQUA project, the biological activities of the total extract from the roots of the purple carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. 'Purple Sun' were investigated from cellular and molecular points of view. Purple carrots contain high levels of anthocyanins, natural dyes known for their health properties.The aim of the present study has been to verify the effects of this extract to improve our knowledge on the potential beneficial effects of this carrot arising from its functional components such as anthocyanins. To reach these goals the cellular and molecular mechanisms of purple carrot extract-induced antiproliferative effect were determined in colon and hematological cancer cells. In addition, antioxidant activity in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) of healthy patients was evaluated. Finally, the antibacterial activity on nine bacterial strains, both Gram(-) and Gram(+) species, were investigated.The results showed that the purple carrot extract induces proliferative arrest and modulates the expression of important cellular regulators. An increase in the activity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes and a decrease of the ROS levels in opsonized zymosan (OZ)-stressed PMNs were also observed. Finally, the total extract showed significant antibacterial activities.Therefore, all of this considered, carrot 'Purple Sun' could be a promising functional food and an optimal candidate for pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical preparations.