Daucus carota, commonly known as carrot, is a popular medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities mentioned in traditional Persian medicine (TPM) and modern phytotherapy including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, diuretic, lithontripic, emmenagogue, intra occular hypotensive, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, aphrodistic, nephroprotective, antispasmodic, anticancer, antiestrogenic, cardioprotective, and wound healing activities. No serious adverse events have been recorded after ingestion of carrot except for some cases of photosensitivity. Because of its emmenagogic, abortifacient and uterus stimulation properties, it should be avoided in pregnancy. A significant interaction between carrot and lithium has also been demonstrated. Based on a pharmacokinetic study, ingestion of Daucus carota may increase plasma levels of vitamin C, zinc and in lactating women vitamin A, serum ferritin, and serum iron levels. The aim of this paper is to review pharmacological properties, toxicity, adverse effects and dug interaction of Daucus carota in TPM and modern phytotherapy.
