## 4 Discussion
In mouse splenocytes, TNF-\(\alpha\) promotes the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and IL-1\(\beta\), which regulate immune responses. By binding to its receptor complex, IL-6 activates downstream signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, thereby modulating the extent of the inflammatory response [52]. Similarly, when IL-1\(\beta\) binds to its receptor (IL-1R), it activates myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), which activates the NF-\(\kappa\)B and MAPK signaling pathways and the IFN response [53]. IFN-\(\gamma\) regulates immune cell activation, cell proliferation, and antiviral responses in mouse splenocytes, and its production can be stimulated by the activation of immune cells, such as T cells and NK cells [54]. Additionally, IFN-\(\gamma\) stimulates the production of IL-12 by activating dendritic cells and macrophages. IL-12 promotes Th1 cell development and IFN-\(\gamma\) production [55]. IFN-\(\gamma\) and IL-12 mutually regulate each other in mouse splenocytes, forming a positive feedback loop that enhances immune responses and inflammation [54]. Purple carrots inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokinesTNF-\(\alpha\), IL-6, and IL-1\(\beta\) in mice in a colitis animal model [56]. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that purple carrot extract reduces NO production and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1\(\beta\), and TNF-\(\alpha\)) in LPS-induced macrophages [57]. Carrots also inhibited NO production and the release of inflammatory factors TNF-\(\alpha\), IL-6, IL-1\(\beta\), IFN-\(\gamma\), and IL-12 in LPS-induced mouse splenocytes, showing carrot's ability to control inflammation. NC showed higher anti-inflammatory capability than CC and OC, making it a promising dietary therapy for treating and controlling chronic diseases. Natural killer cells are important immune cells that perform multiple functions in mouse splenocytes. Cancer cells, particularly metastatic tumor cells, can be recognized and eliminated by NK cells. They release cytotoxic granules that trigger apoptosis in tumor cells when they detect abnormal cell surface signals, such as those lacking MHC-I molecule expression [58]. Additionally, NK cells regulate the balance of immune responses in the spleen [20]. They can modulate the function of other immune cells by secreting cytokines such as IFN-\(\gamma\) and IL-12 [54]. Furthermore, NK cells can regulate the intensity and duration of inflammatory responses. They can alleviate inflammation in certain situations by producing anti-inflammatory factors, thus protecting tissues from excessive inflammatory damage. Carrot pomace polysaccharide has been found in studies to increase the frequency of NK cells in the spleens of immunosuppressed mouse models [59]. This study shows that compared with CC and OC, NC significantly increases the activity of NK cells, which may be a reason for its anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and its regulation of inflammatory responses. In this study, our primary focus was on elucidating the positive attributes of organically cultivated and mineral-supplemented organically cultivated carrots; yet, latent limitations or confounding factors persist. Firstly, the significance of observed disparities in phenolic compound levels among carrots cultivated using different growth methodologies may not possess universal applicability, as additional variables, such as soil composition, climate, and cultivation practices, could also contribute to variations in plant chemical content. Subsequent investigations will strive to encompass a broader spectrum of species to achieve enhanced generalizability.