Beta-apocarotenal

Beta-Apocarotinal is a nature-identical, orange-red natural dye, which is counted among the carotenoids.

Food colouring (E160 e). Beta-apocarotene is only approved for certain foods, such as sauces, seasonings, confectionery, alcoholic beverages, etc. The substance is also found in poultry feed. Beta-apocarotene is also approved for colouring medicines and cosmetics.

Experimentally, high-dose beta-apocarotinal can increase the activity of cytochrome P 450. Its tumour-activating role in bonchial carcinoma remains unclear.

1. Kuntz E et al (2006) Beta-carotene and apocarotenals promote retinoid signaling in BEAS-2B human bronchioepithelial cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 455:48-60.
2. Gradelet S et al (1996) beta-Apo-8'-carotenal, but not beta-carotene, is a strong inducer of liver cytochromes P4501A1 and 1A2 in rat. Xenobiotica 26:909-919.