Lycopene as a Potential Bioactive Compound: Chemistry, Extraction, and Anticancer Prospective

Abstract

Background: Lycopene, a potential bioactive agent, is a non-pro-vitamin A carotenoid recognized as a potent antioxidant. It is extracted from plants like tomatoes, watermelons, red carrots and papayas and has remarkable health benefits. A significant amount of research has been assisted to date to establish the anticancer activity of lycopene. Objective: Our review enhances information about the promising anticancer potential of this compound. Methods: The biological activity of lycopene has been described in several studies in regard to pancreatic, breast, prostate, liver, gastric, ovarian, kidney, skin, intestine, brain and spinal cord cancers. Lycopene resists cancer by inhibition of apoptosis, induction of cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell cycle development, metastasis and angiogenesis. The mechanisms of anticancer action of lycopene are attributed to the management of certain signal transduction pathways, such as modulation of insulin-like growth factors system, PI3K/Akt pathway, modification of important gene expression, inhibit the activity of sex steroid hormones, and the conversation of mitochondrial behavior. Conclusion: Hence, this review focuses on current knowledge of sources, extraction techniques, and chemistry of lycopene, as well as the prospective mechanisms of action related with its anticancer activity. Also, it summarizes the background information about lycopene and the most current research with consideration to its aspect in treating several types of cancer together with future directions.

Targeting oxidative stress with natural products: A novel strategy for esophageal cancer therapy

“…Unlike β-carotene, lycopene lacks the β-angelone ring structure, preventing its conversion into vitamin A in the body[ 37 , 38 ]. Although it lacks the physiological activity of vitamin A, lycopene possesses a potent antioxidant function[ 38 , 39 ]. Cui, Lingling et al revealed that an appropriate dose of lycopene effectively reduces the incidence of ESC induced by JV-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBzA) in F344 rats.…”

Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

“…Research has focused on its anti-cancer properties, including inhibiting apoptosis and cell proliferation and affecting various signal transduction pathways. Several studies highlighted its biological activity concerning skin cancers and photoprotection [205,206]. It has been shown that regular consumption of lycopene can protect the human skin from the effects of UVR, including erythema, alterations in the extracellular matrix, and damage to mitochondrial DNA [207].…”

“…During the early stage of UV-induced skin carcinogenesis, Nrf2 activation promotes the proliferation of normal cells, outnumbering precancerous cells and preventing their expansion and mutation. The antioxidant defense mediated by Nrf2, which is capable of handling excessive ROS formation in the human body, may be valuable in preventing ROS-mediated neoplastic transformation in the skin [205,206].…”