Repositioning Candidate Details
| Candidate ID: | R1091 |
| Source ID: | DB06755 |
| Source Type: | approved; nutraceutical |
| Compound Type: | small molecule |
| Compound Name: | Beta carotene |
| Synonyms: | all-trans-β-carotene; Beta carotene; beta-carotene; Betacarotene; β-Karotin |
| 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. 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. Under the FDA, beta-carotene is considered as a generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS). |
| 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. It is also approved to be used as a color additive for food products, drugs (with the label of "only as a color additive") and cosmetics. It is used commonly for the reduction of photosensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. |
| 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. In vitro studies in hepatocytes have shown that beta-carotene ameliorates oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant activity and decreases apoptosis. 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. |
| DrugBank MoA: | Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that presents significant efficacy against the reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen. Beta-carotene acts as a scavenger of lipophilic radicals within the membranes of every cell compartments. It also presents an oxidative modification of LDL. 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. The chelation of free radicals inhibits the peroxidation of lipids. 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. |
| Targets: | Free radicals binder |
| Inclusion Criteria: | Therapeutic strategy associated |
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