β-Carotene (Standard) is the reference standard of β-carotene, applicable to quantitative analysis, quality control, biochemical experiments, and related research. As a carotenoid, β-carotene is a natural precursor of vitamin A and acts as a reactive oxygen species modulator with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Its antioxidant or pro-oxidant effects depend on its intrinsic properties and the redox status of the biological microenvironment. In addition, β-carotene can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and shows certain antitumor activity.

Methods: MCF‑7 breast cancer cells were used as the research object and treated with β‑carotene.Results: β‑carotene upregulated PPAR‑γ expression and ROS production in MCF‑7 cells.
Methods: MCF‑7 cells were treated with various concentrations of β‑carotene (1–100 μM) for 72 h.
Results: β‑carotene significantly reduced the viability of MCF‑7 cells in a dose‑dependent manner.
Methods: MCF‑7 cells were treated with 50 μM β‑carotene for 24–72 h.
Results: β‑carotene significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPAR‑γ in a time‑dependent manner.
Methods: MCF‑7 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with β‑carotene.
Results: β‑carotene downregulated COX‑2 and upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of p21 in a time‑dependent manner.
Methods: The effect of β‑carotene on apoptosis in MCF‑7 cells was detected in vitro, with pre‑incubation using GW9662 or GSH.
Results: β‑carotene significantly increased the proportion of early apoptotic cells, and this effect could be partially attenuated by GW9662 or GSH.
Methods: The effect of β‑carotene on mitochondria‑related proteins in MCF‑7 cells was investigated in vitro.
Results: β‑carotene induced the release of cytochrome c [3].