An annual or biennial herb, with an erect, much-branched stem, arising from a thick, fleshy taproot.

Carrot is valued as food mainly because it is a rich source of the fat-soluble hydrocarbon, C40H56, the ß form of which is the precursor of vitamin A. Carrots contain a variety of carotenoids that are responsible for the typical colors of the root. The main

pigments of orange carrot are a- and ß-carotene. The seed oil has a sweet anise like odor and the main components identified were ß-bisabolene, Cis and trans -asarene, asarone aldehyde and phenolic compounds such as eugenol 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone and vanillin.

Carrot seeds are aromatic, stimulant and carminative. They are reported to be useful in diseases of the kidney and in dropsy. The seeds are reported to exhibit anti-fertility activity. The ethanolic extracts of seeds showed diuretic activity. The essential oil from leaves and seeds showed antifungal activity, used as a sunscreen and fragrance component in soaps, creams and lotions. The aqueous extract of carrot showed hepatoprotective activity.

Used in Daily Health Capsules, Lip Balm, Regurin.