Lycopene

Scientific names: Ψ,Ψ-carotene

Efficacy rating:

ÒÒÒ...Positive clinical trials

Safety rating:

●...No safety concerns despite wide use.

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid, occurring in ripe fruit, especially tomatoes. Other sources include watermelon, grapefruit, and guava.

What is Lycopene used for?

Overview

Processed tomato products are a better source of lycopene than the raw fruit. Lycopene is the most prominent carotenoid in tomatoes. Lycopene also is responsible for the red color of the fruit. The carotenes exert antioxidant activity. Lycopene is touted as the highest overall single oxygen-quenching carotenoid, double than that of beta-carotene. Processed tomato products are a better source of lycopene than fresh tomatoes, and are more bioavailable. In addition, human uptake of lycopene is greater from heat processed tomato juice vs unprocessed. Cooking releases desirable antioxidants from tomatoes. Absorption of lycopene, which is lipid soluble, is improved in the presence of oil or fat. Raw tomatoes contain lycopene 3.1 mg per 100 g of fruit compared with tomato paste or sauce, which contains an average of 6.4 mg.

Antioxidant

Epidemiological evidence finds the constituent lycopene to be associated with a reduced risk of certain diseases and cancers. Lycopene is being studied for its role in cancer prevention, including prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Lycopene's antioxidant actions are well documented. Carotenoid mixtures display synergistic activity against oxidative damage, most pronounced with the presence of both lycopene and lutein. This combination also was found to have potent anticarcinogenic activity in animal studies. Lycopene has synergistic effects in some cases when used in conjunction with other antioxidants.

It also is suggested that lycopene may ameliorate the oxidative stress of cigarette smoke. Another study reports that certain concentrations of lycopene (and other antioxidants) may protect against cognitive impairment. Lycopene has confirmed benefits on the heart, and demonstrates a protective effect against heart attacks. Definitive clinical studies are needed to determine the many health benefits of lycopene.