An Updated Overview on the Use of the β-Carotene Bleaching Method in Assessing the Antioxidant Activity of Compounds

Compounds with antioxidant properties have recently gained popularity. Globally, in parallel with the search for new sources of antioxidants, research is being conducted on methods for assessing antioxidant properties. The aim of this review article is to systematize and update knowledge about one of the most popular methods for testing antioxidant properties–the β-carotene bleaching method. This article presents the most important information regarding this method. It discusses, among other things, the basic reaction mechanism used to assess antioxidant properties, the properties of the model antioxidant–β-carotene, the measurement procedure and reagent preparation, and, importantly, factors that the analyst should consider when interpreting the final result. Furthermore, the article reviews applications of the β-carotene method. The information presented should be helpful in obtaining consistent and reliable results using this method and contribute to the standardization of antioxidant testing methods.