LAUSR

α-Carotene, one of the C40 carotenes, is a natural lipid soluble terpene. Chemical structure of α-carotene is based on the unsaturated polyene chain skeleton, with an ε-ring and a β-ring on each side of the skeleton. α-Carotene is widely found in dietary fruits and vegetables, and the concentration depends on the plant species. In addition, processing methods and storage conditions used in the food and medical industries can alter the concentration of α-carotene in raw materials. This review of α-carotene summarizes the major studies on chemical structure, source, extraction, detection, biosynthesis, processing effect, bioactivity, medicine and biotechnology. Whether α-carotene supplementation or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has a positive effect on the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other diseases is the focus of this study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.