Lycopene – a bioactive carotenoid offering multiple health benefits: a review

Abstract

SummaryLycopene is a natural red tomato pigment whose presence in the diet is beneficial to human health. It is believed to modify the course of chronic conditions, including neoplastic diseases. Clinical research results confirm its protective effects on the cardiovascular system. It lowers the risk of myocardial infarction, reduces blood pressure and prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation. High blood lycopene concentrations are also associated with lower risks of developing prostate, lung, uterine and breast cancer. Lycopene does not only inhibit proliferation of neoplastic cells, but it also induces their apoptosis and prevents metastasis. The health effects attributed to this compound are mostly derived from its antioxidant properties. It is a strong singlet oxygen quencher, and it thwarts lipid oxidation. Experimental and clinical studies have also confirmed lycopene's positive effects on the skeletal system and on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Tomato as Potential Source of Natural Additives for Meat Industry. A Review

“…Carotenoids may be divided into two groups according to the differences in the structure of the polyisoprenoid chain: carotenes, which are hydrocarbon carotenoids that are either cyclized (α-carotene and β-carotene) or linear (lycopene) and xanthophylls that contain one or more oxygen molecules (lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin) [23]. Carotenoids cannot be synthesized by humans, so they must be incorporated through diet, being tomatoes and tomato-based foods the main dietary sources of carotenoids available [24]. Additionally, the tomato processing by-products also present significant amounts of carotenoids so they could be used for the development of functional foods.…”

“…Lycopene is the major carotenoid present in ripe fruits of tomato, accounting for approximately 80-90% of these pigments [21]. Regarding its molecular structure, lycopene consists of a 40-carbon-atom chain with 11 conjugated and two unconjugated double bonds [24]. This distinctive structure explains its red coloration, as well as its lipophilic character.…”

“…This distinctive structure explains its red coloration, as well as its lipophilic character. Due to its linear structure and lack of a β-ionone ring, lycopene has no pro-vitamin A activity [24]. It is present in foods mainly as all-trans-isomer, which is the most stable isomer thermodynamically [25].…”

“…It is present in foods mainly as all-trans-isomer, which is the most stable isomer thermodynamically [25]. However, thermal processing induces isomerization of the all-trans isomer to the cis-form, which is more bioavailable for humans [24].…”

“…Regarding the intake of lycopene, at least the 85% comes from the intake of tomato-based products [21]. The amount of lycopene in fresh tomatoes and tomato products presents a high variability depending on variety, maturity, geographical site of cultivation and type of processing [24]. In ripened tomato, lycopene is present in amounts ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 mg/100 g FW [26].…”