RESUMO
The study evaluated 297 carrot germplasm lines, focusing on 52 cultivars to explore their therapeutic potential and address challenges related to the accessibility and affordability of nutraceuticals. The investigation explores the application of DNA barcoding using the ITS region for precise species identification, highlighting genetic diversity among the examined cultivars. Through ITS sequence-based analysis and phylogenetic examination, six diverse Daucus spp. genotypes were differentiated and classified into distinct groups, indicating the presence of vast genetic variation. Evaluation of antioxidant activities using the DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed varying degrees of scavenging ability among genotypes with SKAU-C-15, SKAU-C-17, and SKAU-C-16 exhibiting the highest activity, suggesting their potential for antioxidant-rich products. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in carrot extracts responsible for their antioxidant properties. In cell culture studies, specific carrot genotype extracts demonstrated potential anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on C4-2 (SKAU-C-30, SKAU-C-10, and SKAU-C-42) and A549 (SKAU-C-18 and SKAU-C-11) cancer cells, as indicated by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Colony Forming Unit assay. These findings suggest the promising therapeutic potential of carrot genotypes for developing anti-cancer compounds or supplements. Overall, the study contributes to the nutrition and medical fields, paving the way for advancements in functional foods and health applications, particularly in cancer treatment or prevention.