Abstract
Background and aims: Daucus carota L. (carrot) is an important edible root crop recognized for its nutritional value and diverse therapeutic properties. It contains numerous bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to a wide range of pharmacological activities. This narrative review aims to critically summarize the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, safety aspects, and future therapeutic potential of Daucus carota L. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2000 and 2025. The search employed keywords including "Daucus carota", "carrot", "ethnomedicine", "phytochemistry", "pharmacological activities", and "bioactive compounds" using Boolean operators (AND, OR). English-language articles, review papers, and experimental studies relevant to the objectives of this review were included. Results: The available evidence demonstrates that Daucus carota is rich in carotenoids, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, essential oils, and other bioactive metabolites. Experimental studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities mediated through multiple molecular pathways, including regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. Conclusion: Daucus carota possesses significant ethnomedicinal importance and promising pharmacological potential. Nevertheless, additional well-designed clinical studies, standardized extracts, mechanistic investigations, and safety evaluations are required to facilitate its translation into evidence-based therapeutic and nutraceutical applications.