Characterization of Purple Carrot Germplasm for Antioxidant Capacity and Root Concentration of Anthocyanins, Phenolics, and Carotenoids

Abstract

The present study characterized a genetically and phenotypically diverse collection of 27 purple and two non-purple (one orange and one yellow) carrot accessions for concentration of root anthocyanins, phenolics, and carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity estimated by four different methods (ORAC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), in a partially replicated experimental design comprising data from two growing seasons (2018 and 2019). Broad and significant (p < 0.0001) variation was found among the accessions for all the traits. Acylated anthocyanins (AA) predominated over non-acylated anthocyanins (NAA) in all the accessions and years analyzed, with AA accounting for 55.5–100% of the total anthocyanin content (TAC). Anthocyanins acylated with ferulic acid and coumaric acid were the most abundant carrot anthocyanins. In general, black or solid purple carrots had the greatest TAC and total phenolic content (TPC), and the strongest antioxidant capacities, measured by all methods. Antioxidant capacity, estimated by all methods, was significantly, positively, and moderately-to-strongly correlated with the content of all individual anthocyanins pigments, TAC, and TPC, in both years (r = 0.59–0.90, p < 0.0001), but not with the carotenoid pigments lutein and β-carotene; suggesting that anthocyanins and other phenolics, but not carotenoids, are major contributors of the antioxidant capacity in purple carrots. We identified accessions with high concentration of chemically stable AA, with potential value for the production of food dyes, and accessions with relatively high content of bioavailable NAA that can be selected for increased nutraceutical value (e.g., for fresh consumption).

Advancing utilization of diverse global carrot (Daucus carota L.) germplasm with flowering habit trait ontology

“…The carrot accessions in this study are maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture National Plant Germplasm System (USDA-NPGS). All or parts of this global USDA germplasm collection have previously been evaluated in studies on canopy vigor ( Loarca et al, 2024b ), core collection curation ( Corak et al, 2019 ), demographic history of carrot domestication and breeding ( Coe et al, 2023 ), genetic structure, phyologeny, and carotenoid presence ( Ellison et al, 2018 ), taproot shape ( Brainard et al, 2021 ), plant growth traits (Acosta-Motos et al, 2021), antioxidant capacity ( Pérez et al, 2023 ), resistance to the necrophytic fungal pathogen Alternaria dauci ( Tas, 2016 ), and several studies on seed germination under abiotic stress ( Bolton et al, 2019 ; Bolton and Simon 2019 ; Simon, 2019 ; Simon et al, 2021 ).…”

Comparative Root Transcriptome Profiling and Gene Regulatory Network Analysis between Eastern and Western Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Cultivars Reveals Candidate Genes for Vascular Tissue Patterning

“…Carrots are gaining popularity as a source of carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, notably provitamin A [8]. In addition, carrots are a valuable source of carotenoids, important bioactive compounds that contribute to human health by offering a multitude of benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as immune and cardiovascular protection [9,10].…”

Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Functional Turkish Delight Produced with Purple Carrot and Inulin

“…Purple carrots are rich in natural components such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and carotenoids. These components exert antioxidant effects by fighting free radicals in the body [1]. Inulin is a polysaccharide composed of fructose chains and is indigestible.…”