Repositioning Candidate Details
| Candidate ID: | R0457 |
| Source ID: | DB06755 |
| Source Type: | approved; nutraceutical |
| Compound Type: | small molecule |
| Compound Name: | Beta carotene |
| Synonyms: | |
| Molecular Formula: | C40H56 |
| SMILES: | C\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)C |
| Structure: |
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| DrugBank Description: | Beta-carotene, with the molecular formula C40H56, belongs to the group of carotenoids consisting of isoprene units. The presence of long chains of conjugated double bonds donates beta-carotene with specific colors.[T162] It is the most abundant form of carotenoid and it is a precursor of the vitamin A. Beta-carotene is composed of two retinyl groups. It is an antioxidant that can be found in yellow, orange and green leafy vegetables and fruits.[T158] Under the FDA, beta-carotene is considered as a generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS).[L2191] |
| CAS Number: | 7235-40-7 |
| Molecular Weight: | 536.888 |
| DrugBank 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.[L2191] It is also approved to be used as a color additive for food products,[L2192] drugs (with the label of "only as a color additive")[L2193] and cosmetics.[L2194] It is used commonly for the reduction of photosensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases.[A32485] |
| DrugBank Pharmacology: | Oral administration of beta-carotene increases the serum concentration of beta-carotene by 60% but it does not change the concentration found in the heart, liver or kidneys.[T159] In vitro studies in hepatocytes have shown that beta-carotene ameliorates oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant activity and decreases apoptosis.[T161] Other than the antioxidant activities, some other actions have been correlated to beta-carotene. It is thought to have detoxifying properties, as well as to help increase resistance to inflammation and infection and increase immune response and enhance RNA production.[L2202] |
| DrugBank MoA: | Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that presents significant efficacy against the reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen.[T159] Beta-carotene acts as a scavenger of lipophilic radicals within the membranes of every cell compartments. It also presents an oxidative modification of LDL.[T160] 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.[T162] The chelation of free radicals inhibits the peroxidation of lipids.[T163] 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.[L2202] |
| Targets: | Free radicals |
| Inclusion Criteria: |
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