| Antioxidant, antineoplastic, inudces cell differentiation. beta-carotene (beta-carotine) is a strongly colored red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. It is an organic compound and chemically is classified as a hydrocarbon and specifically as a terpenoid (isoprenoid), reflecting its derivation from isoprene units. beta-Carotene is biosynthesized from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. It is a member of the carotenes, which are tetraterpenes, synthesized biochemically from eight isoprene units and thus having 40 carbons. Among this general class of carotenes, beta-carotene is distinguished by having beta-rings at both ends of the molecule. Absorption of beta-carotene is enhanced if eaten with fats, as carotenes are fat soluble. beta-Carotene has been used to treat various disorders such as erythropoietic protoporphyria. It has also been used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women before menopause, and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Synonyms: beta-Carotene, Betacarotene, beta,beta-Carotene, Provatene, Lucarotin, KPMK, Food Orange 5, Provitamin A, NSC 62794, (all-E)-1,1-(3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-octadecanonaene-1,18-diyl)bis[2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene], b,b-Carotene, all-trans-b-carotene, BetaVit, Betacarotene, Carotene Base 80S, Provatenol, Rovimix, Carotaben, Phenoro, Solatene CAS Number: 7235-40-7 Molecular Formula: C40H56 Molecular Weight: 536.87 Appearance: Yellow to red free-flowing powder Purity: 90% Melting Point: As reported Storage and Stability: Store at 4C under inert atmosphere. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap. |
