Lycopene is a potent carotenoid--antioxidant red pigments found in fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.  Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, unstable molecules created in the process of metabolism. 

 

Studies have shown that lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and lung cancer. 

In one study, the diets and health of 47,000 men were observed.  Based on the study’s findings, researchers concluded that the consumption of tomato products significantly lowered the risk of developing prostate cancer. 

Lycopene may have some effect in reducing the risk of other serious illnesses such as macular degeneration (a disease which often leads to blindness), cardio-vascular disease, and breast cancer.


Free radicals are necessary for some important chemical reactions in the body, but when present in excessive amounts, free radicals can cause damage to cell walls and membranes by stealing electrons from important proteins and nutrients.  Environmental conditions such as smoking and pollution can increase the presence of free radicals in the system. 

Along with protecting the body from free radicals, lycopene plays an important role in fighting singlet oxygen.  Singlet oxygen, like free radicals, can cause damage to important compounds such as DNA, cell membranes, and proteins.  Singlet oxygen also causes the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a harmful effect because cholesterol is needed to build cell membranes.  Lycopene can protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation by singlet oxygen.

Another theory which seeks to explain lycopene’s health benefits is that because lycopene can help improve communication between cells, it is able to improve the body’s own natural defenses and promote healthy cell division and differentiation.  One possible cause of cancer may be that a cell fails to give or receive signals, and this leads to cell overgrowth.  Lycopene may derive its anti-cancer effect from its ability to the health of cells and their ability to send and receive signals.

 

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REFERENCES
Beyer P, Mayer M, Kleinig H, et al. Molecular oxygen and the state of geometric isomerism of intermediates are essential in the carotene desaturation and cyclization reactions in daffodil chromoplasts. Eur J Biochem 1989;184(1):141-150.

Bierer TL, Merchen NR, Erdman JW, Jr. Comparative absorption and transport of five common carotenoids in preruminant calves. J Nutr 1995;125:1569-1577.

Breslow RA, Alberg AJ, Helzlsouer KJ, et al. Serological precursors of cancer: malignant melanoma, basal and squamous cell skin cancer, and prediagnostic levels of retinol, beta- carotene, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol, and selenium. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1995;4:837-842.

Carughi A, Hooper FG. Plasma carotenoid concentrations before and after supplementation with a carotenoid mixture. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:896-899.

Di Mascio P, Kaiser S, Sies H. Lycopene as the most efficient biological carotenoid singlet oxygen quencher. Arch Biochem Biophys 1989;274:532-538.

Franceschi S, Bidoli E, La Vecchia C, Talamini R, D'Avanzo B, Negri E. Tomatoes and risk of digestive-tract cancers. Int J Cancer 1994;59:181-184.

Gerster H. Anticarcinogenic effect of common carotenoids. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1993;63:93-121.

Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1995;87:1767-1776.

Kaplan LA, Stein EA, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Stryker WS. Reference ranges of retinol, tocopherols, lycopene and alpha-and beta-carotene in plasma by simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Clin Physiol Biochem 1987;5:297-304.

Khachik F, Beecher GR, Smith JC, Jr. Lutein, lycopene, and their oxidative metabolites in chemoprevention of cancer. J Cell Biochem Suppl 1995;22:236-246.

Krinsky NI, Russett MD, Handelman GJ, Snodderly DM. Structural and geometrical isomers of carotenoids in human plasma. J Nutr 1990;120:1654-1662.

Levy J, Bosin E, Feldman B, et al. Lycopene is a more potent inhibitor of human cancer cell proliferation than either alpha-carotene or betacarotene. Nutr Cancer 1995;24(3):257-266.

London SJ, Stein EA, Henderson IC, et al. Carotenoids, retinol, and vitamin E and risk of proliferative benign breast disease and breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1992;3:503-512.

Mathews-Roth MM, Welankiwar S, Sehgal PK, Lausen NC, Russett M, Krinsky NI. Distribution of [14C]canthaxanthin and [14C]lycopene in rats and monkeys. J Nutr 1990;120:1205-1213.

Nagasawa H, Mitamura T, Sakamoto S, Yamamoto K. Effects of lycopene on spontaneous mammary tumour development in SHN virgin mice. Anticancer Res 1995;15:1173-1178.

Olmedilla B, Granado F, Blanco I, Rojas-Hidalgo E. Seasonal and sexrelated variations in six serum carotenoids, retinol, and a-tocopherol. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:106-110.

Peng Y-M, Peng Y-S, Lin Y, Moon T, Roe DJ, Ritenbaugh C. Concentrations and plasma-tissue-diet relationships of carotenoids, retinoids, and tocopherols in humans. Nutr Cancer 1995;23:233-246.

Potischman N, Hoover RN, Brinton LA, et al. The relations between cervical cancer and serological markers of nutritional status. Nutr Cancer 1994;21:193-201.

Ribaya-Mercado JD, Garmyn M, Gilchrest BA, Russell RM. Skin lycopene is destroyed preferentially over b-carotene during ultraviolet irradiation in humans. J Nutr 1995;125:1854-1859.

Sies H, Stahl W, Sundquist AR. Antioxidant functions of vitamins. Vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1992;669:7-20.

Stahl W, Schwarz W, Sundquist AR, Sies H. cis-trans isomers of lycopene and beta-carotene in human serum and tissues. Arch Biochem Biophys 1992; 294:173-177.

Stahl W, Sies H. Uptake of lycopene and its geometrical isomers is greater from heat-processed than from unprocessed tomato juice in humans. J Nutr 1992;122:2161-2166.

Street DA, Comstock GW, Salkeld RM, Schüep W, Klag MJ. Serum antioxidants and myocardial infarction: Are low levels of carotenoids and a-tocopherol risk factors for myocardial infarction? Circulation 1994;90:1154-1161.

Suarna C, Hood RL, Dean RT, Stocker R. Comparative antioxidant activity of tocotrienols and other natural lipid-soluble antioxidants in a homogeneous system, and in rat and human lipoproteins. Biochim Biophys Acta 1993;1166:163-170.

Tonucci LH, Holden JM, Beecher GR, Khachik F, Davis CS, Mulokozi G. Carotenoid content of thermally processed tomato-based food products. J Agric Food Chem 1995;43:579-586.

Yong LC, Forman MR, Beecher GR, et al. Relationship between dietary intake and plasma concentrations of carotenoids in premenopausal women: Application of the USDA-NCI carotenoid food-composition database. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:223-230.

FROM LYCOPENE.ORG

The Facts explores how lycopene, a powerful antioxidant abundant in red tomatoes and processed tomato products, may help prevent prostate cancer and some other forms of cancer, heart disease, and other serious diseases. In a reader-friendly style, Unlock the Power of Lycopene highlights research that suggests lycopene may be beneficial as part of a balanced diet. This book will help readers appreciate the tomato by sharing its fascinating facts and history, and includes tasty recipes for tomato-based dishes.

* Note! Medical conditions or problems should be discussed with your doctor. Good nutrition is not a substitute for medical treatments and a doctor's care.

Lycopene is an open-chain unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red colour to tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon and pink grapefruit.

Lycopene is a proven antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which may damage the body's cells.

Research shows that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The chemical form of lycopene found in tomatoes is converted by the temperature changes involved in processing to make it more easily absorbed by the body.

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids.

Regular high consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended as part of healthy eating. Epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of lycopene-containing vegetables is inversely associated with the incidence of certain types of cancer. For example, habitual intake of tomato products has been inversely associated with the risk of cancer of the digestive tract among Italians.

 

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Studies are underway to investigate other potential benefits of lycopene - including the H.J. Heinz Company sponsored research at the University of Toronto and at the American Health Foundation. These studies will focus on lycopene's possible role in the fight against cancers of the digestive tract, breast and prostate cancer.

PDRHEALTH:

Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family of chemical substances. Lycopene, similar to other carotenoids, is a natural fat-soluble pigment (red, in the case of lycopene) found in certain plants and microorganisms, where it serves as an accessory light-gathering pigment and to protect these organisms against the toxic effects of oxygen and light. Lycopene may also protect humans against certain disorders, such as prostate cancer and perhaps some other cancers, and coronary heart disease.

Carotenoids are the principal pigments responsible for the colors of vegetables and fruits (see Beta-Carotene and Lutein and Zeaxanthin). Lycopene is responsible for the red color of red tomatoes. In addition to tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and tomato-based products, such as ketchup, pizza sauce, tomato juice and tomato paste, lycopene is also found in watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit and pink guava. Processed tomato products are more available dietary sources of lycopene than fresh tomatoes. The average daily intake of lycopene is approximately 25 milligrams, with 50% of this in the form of processed tomato products.

Lycopene is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, which contains beta-ionone rings at each end of the molecule, is formed in plants, including tomatoes, via the action of the enzyme lycopene beta-cyclase. Lycopene is a 40 carbon atom, open chain polyisoprenoid with 11 conjugated double bonds.

All-trans lycopene is the predominant geometric isomer found in plants. Cis isomers of lycopene are also found in nature, including 5-cis, 9-cis, 13-cis and 15-cis isomers. Lycopene found in human plasma is a mixture of approximately 50% cis lycopene and 50% all-trans lycopene. Lycopene in processed foods, is mainly in the form of the cis-isomer.

Lycopene is a lipophilic compound and is insoluble in water. Lycopene is also known as psi-carotene. Its molecular formula is C40H56 and its molecular weight is 536.88 daltons. In contrast to beta-carotene, lycopene has no vitamin A activity and thus is a nonprovitamin A carotenoid.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY (PDRHEALTH)

ACTIONS

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MECHANISM OF ACTION
Non-antioxidant mechanisms have also been proposed. Failure of cell signaling may be a cause of cell overgrowth and eventually cancer. Lycopene may stimulate gap junction communication between cells. It is speculated that lycopene may suppress carcinogen-induced phosphorylation of regulatory proteins such as p53 and Rb antioncogenes and stop cell division at the G0-G1 cell cycle phase. One researcher has hypothesized that lycopene-induced modulation of the liver metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 may be the underlying mechanism of protection against carcinogen-induced preneoplastic lesions in the rat liver. Lycopene may also reduce cellular proliferation induced by insulin-like growth factors. There is some preliminary in vitro evidence for the latter proposal.

The mechanism of the possible antiatherogenic activity of lycopene is likewise unclear. Lycopene's antioxidant activity is a possibility. Lycopene has also been found to inhibit cholesterol synthesis, to inhibit HMG-CoA (hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase activity and to upregulate LDL receptor activity in macrophages. A small preliminary study in humans, reported an LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of lycopene.

PHARMACOKINETICS
Lycopene is available in nutritional supplements in the form of an oleoresin, in phospholipid complexes and in oils. In foods, lycopene exists as part of a matrix (in chloroplasts or chromoplasts) within the vegetables or fruit. The efficiency of absorption of lycopene from supplements and foods is variable. The efficiency of absorption of lycopene from tomatoes, in which lycopene is tightly bound within the matrix, is low. It is much higher in processed tomato products. The improved availability of lycopene from processed foods is due to its release from the ruptured plant cells following the mechanical and thermal processing, as well as heat induced-trans to cis isomerization. Cis-lycopene is reported to be more bioavailable than trans-lycopene. Lipids increase the absorption of lycopene.

For example, the combination of tomato sauce and olive oil delivers more absorbable lycopene than tomato sauce without oil.

Lycopene from supplements or from the matrices of foods is either solubilized in the lipid core of micelles (formed from bile salts and dietary fat) in the lumen of the small intestine or forms clathrate complexes with conjugated bile salts. Micelles and clathrate complexes deliver lycopene to the enterocytes.

Lycopene is released from the enterocytes into the lymphatics in the form of chylomicrons. Lycopene is transported by the lymphatics to the general circulation via the thoracic duct. In the circulation, lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes much of the triglycerides in the chylomicrons, resulting in the formation of chylomicron remnants. Chylomicron remnants retain apolipoproteins E and B48 on their surfaces and are mainly taken up by hepatocytes and to lesser degrees by other tissues. Within hepatocytes, lycopene is incorporated into lipoproteins.

Lycopene is released into the blood from the hepatocytes in the form of very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). In the plasma, VLDL is converted by lipoprotein lipase to LDL. Lycopene is transported in the plasma predominantly in the form of LDL.

There is much unknown about the pharmacokinetics of lycopene, in particular its distribution and its metabolism.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Lycopene may be helpful in preventing and possibly also managing some cancers, particularly prostate cancer, and may confer some protection against cardiovascular disease. Research, though suggestive of these positive effects, is far from conclusive. And there is far too little evidence of efficacy from very preliminary studies to support any indication for lycopene in the management of HIV disease or other immune dysfunction or in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

RESEARCH SUMMARY
In a prospective study that followed the eating habits of 47,000 men for six years, a positive correlation was found between tomato-based food consumption and apparent resistance to development of prostate cancer. There was a 35% reduction in risk of developing prostate cancer among those who consumed more than 10 servings of tomato products weekly, compared with those who consumed fewer than 1.5 servings weekly. Most of these servings (82%) were in the form of tomatoes, tomato sauce and pizza. Tomato sauce appeared to be the most protective.

This study reinforced the findings of an earlier prospective study that examined the eating habits of Seventh Day Adventist men over a six-year period. This study found that the relative risk of prostate cancer was 0.60 among Adventist men who ate tomatoes more than five times weekly, compared with those who consumed them less than once weekly.

A recent review of 72 studies found 57 reports of inverse associations between tomato consumption or blood lycopene levels and risk of various types of cancer; 35 of these associations were significant. Evidence of lycopene protective effects were highest for cancers of the prostate, lung and stomach.

While cautioning that these associations do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the reviewer observed that "the consistency of the results across numerous studies in diverse populations, for case-control and prospective studies, and for dietary-based and blood-based investigations argues against bias or confounding as the explanation for these findings."

Recently, more direct, though still preliminary, evidence emerged suggestive of lycopene protective and, perhaps, interventive effects in prostate cancer. In this study, 33 men scheduled for surgery to remove cancerous prostate glands, were randomized to receive 30 milligrams of lycopene (in two 15-milligram capsules) daily or nothing. Dosing commenced 30 days prior to surgery.

Examination of the prostate glands post-surgery revealed that cancer had spread to the very edge of the glands in seven of the 21 lycopene-treated subjects compared with the same extent of spread in 9 of the 12 subjects who did not receive lycopene. Pre-cancerous tissue in the lycopene group was judged to be less abnormal than pre-cancerous tissue in the group that did not receive lycopene. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) fell 20% in the lycopene group between initial dosing and surgery. PSA levels were unchanged in the group not receiving lycopene. Research is ongoing.

Recent epidemiological studies have reported an inverse relationship between higher tissue and serum levels of lycopene and the risk of coronary artery disease. And a recent study in which 19 healthy subjects consumed a variety of tomato products for three weeks reported no change in serum cholesterol levels but significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and LDL-cholesterol oxidation. Numerous in vitro and animal studies have also reported results suggestive of lycopene effects that might help prevent or ameliorate cardiovascular disease. Research continues.

CONTRINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Lycopene is contraindicated in those hypersensitive to any component of a lycopene-containing product.

PRECAUTIONS
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should obtain their lycopene intake from food sources rather than supplements.

INTERACTIONS

DRUGS
Cholestyramine: Concomitant intake of cholestyramine and lycopene may decrease the absorption of lycopene.

Colestipol: Concomitant intake of colestipol and lycopene may decrease the absorption of lycopene.

Mineral oil: Concomitant intake of mineral oil and lycopene may reduce the absorption of lycopene.

Orlistat: Orlistat may decrease the absorption of lycopene.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Beta-carotene: Concomitant intake of beta-carotene and lycopene may increase the absorption of lycopene.

Medium-chain triglycerides: Concomitant intake of medium-chain triglycerides and lycopene may enhance the absorption of lycopene.

Pectin: Concomitant intake of pectin and lycopene may decrease the absorption of lycopene.

FOODS
Oils: Dietary oils, such as olive oil, may enhance the absorption of lycopene.

Olestra: Olestra may reduce the absorption of lycopene.


LITERATURE
Agarwal S, Rao AV. Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases. CMAJ. 2000; 163:739-744.

Agarwal S, Rao AV. Tomato lycopene and low density lipiprotein oxidation: a human dietary intervention study. Lipids. 1998; 33:981-984.

Arab L, Steck S. Lycopene and cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 71(suppl); 1691S-1695S.

Bohm Y, Bitsch R. Intestinal absorption of lycopene from different matrices and interactions to other carotenoids, the lipid status, and the antioxidant capacity of human plasma. Eur J Nutr. 1999; 38:118-125.

Boileau AC, Merchen NR, Wasson K, et al. Cis-lycopene is more bioavailable than trans-lycopene in vitro and in vivo in lymph-cannulated ferrets. J Nutr. 1999; 129:1176-1181.

Bramley PM. Is lycopene beneficial to human health? Phytochem. 2000; 54:233-236.

Clinton SK. Lycopene: chemistry, biology, and implications for human health and disease. Nutr Rev. 1998; 56:35-51.

Clinton SK, Emenhiser C, Schwartz SJ, et al. Cis-trans lycopene isomers, carotenoids, and retinol in the human prostate. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1996; 5:823-833.

Gann PH, Ma J, Giovannucci E, et al. Lower prostate cancer risk in men with elevated plasma lycopene levels: results of a prospective analysis. Cancer Res. 1999; 59:1225-1230.

Gartner C, Stahl W, Sies H. Lycopene is more bioavailable from tomato paste than from fresh tomatoes. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997; 66:116-122.

Giovannucci E. Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: Review of the epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1999; 91:317-331.

Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1995; 87:1767-1976.

Johnson EJ. The role of lycopene in health and disease. Nutr Clin Care. 2000; 3:35-43.

Johnson EJ, Qin J, Krinsky NI, Russell RM. Ingestion by men of a combined dose of beta-carotene and lycopene does not affect the absorption of beta-carotene but improves that of lycopene. J Nutr. 1997; 127:1833-1837.

Leal M, Shimada S, Ruiz F, et al. Effect of lycopene on lipid peroxidation and glutathione-dependent enzymes induced by T-2 toxin in vivo. Toxicol Lett. 1999; 109:1-10.

Michaud DS, Feskanich D, Rimm EB, et al. Intake of specific carotenoids and risk of lung cancer in 2 prospective U.S. cohorts. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 72:990-997.

Paetau I, Rao D, Wiley ER, et al. Carotenoids in human buccal mucosa cells after 4 wk of supplementation with tomato juice or lycopene supplements. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:490-494.

Rao AV, Agarwal S. Bioavailability and in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene from tomato products and their possible role in the prevention of cancer. Nutr Cancer. 1998; 31:199-203.

Rao AV, Agarwal S. Role of lycopene as antioxidant carotenoid in the prevention of chronic diseases: a review. Nutr Res. 1999; 19:305-323.

Rao AV, Fleshner N, Agarwal S. Serum and tissue lycopene and biomarkers of oxidation in prostate cancer patients: a case-control study. Nutr Cancer. 1999; 33:159-164.

Riso P, Pinder A, Santangelo A, Porrini M. Does tomato consumption effectively increase the resistance of lymphocyte DNA to oxidative damage? Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 69:712-718.

Sengupta A, Das S. The anti-carcinogenic role of lycopene, abundantly present in tomato. Eur J Cancer Prev. 1999; 8:325-330.

Sies H, Stahl W. Lycopene: antioxidant and biological effects and its bioavailability in the human. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998; 218:121-124.

Sutherland WH, Walker RJ, De Jong SA, Upritchard JE. Supplementation with tomato juice increases plasma lycopene but does not alter susceptibility to oxidation of low-density lipoproteins from renal transplant patients. Clin Nephrol. 1999; 52:30-36.                                  

 

MAYO CLINIC

Lycopene


ARTICLE SECTIONS
Lycopene is a carotenoid, and is present in human serum, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, prostate, colon, and skin at higher levels than other carotenoids. Lycopene has been found to possess antioxidant and antiproliferative properties in animal and in vitro studies, although activity in humans remains controversial.

Numerous epidemiological investigations have correlated high intake of lycopene-containing foods or high lycopene serum levels with reduced incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration. However, estimates of lycopene consumption have been based on reported tomato intake, not on the use of lycopene supplements. Since tomatoes are sources of other nutrients including vitamin C, folate, and potassium, it is not clear that lycopene itself is beneficial.

There is no established definition of "lycopene deficiency," and no direct evidence that repletion of low lycopene levels has any benefit.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence         Grade*

Age-related macular degeneration prevention
Based on antioxidant properties observed in laboratory studies, lycopene has been suggested as a preventive therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary human studies have overall not found a clear benefit. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.    C

Antioxidant
Laboratory research suggests that lycopene, like other carotenoids, may have antioxidant properties. However, it is not clear if lycopene has these effects in the human body. Results of different studies do not agree with each other, and better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.             C

Asthma caused by exercise
Laboratory research suggests that lycopene, like other carotenoids, may have antioxidant properties. It has been suggested that antioxidants may be helpful in the prevention of asthma that is caused by exercise. There is limited, poor-quality research in this area, and further evidence is needed before a recommendation can be made.             C

Atherosclerosis ("clogged" arteries) and high cholesterol
It has been suggested that lycopene may be helpful in people with atherosclerosis or high cholesterol, possibly due to antioxidant properties. Several studies have been published in this area, most using tomato juice as a treatment. Results have not agreed with each other, and this issue remains unclear.             C

Breast cancer prevention
Research in animals and observations of large human populations have examined the relationship between developing breast cancer and tomato intake or lycopene levels in the body. The evidence in this area is not clear, and further studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.        C

Cancer prevention (general)
Studies have examined large populations to identify which lifestyle factors affect health. Many of these "epidemiologic" or "population" studies suggest a link between diets high in fruits and vegetables and a decreased risk of developing cancer. However, it is not entirely clear which foods are most beneficial, or if reduced cancer is due to other (non-dietary) aspects of a "healthy lifestyle." High levels of lycopene are found in tomatoes and in tomato-based products. Tomatoes are also sources of other nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Several laboratory and human studies examining tomato-based products and blood lycopene levels suggest that lycopene may be associated with a lower risk of developing cancer. However, due to a lack of well-designed human research using lycopene supplements, this issue remains unclear.       C

Cervical cancer prevention
Observations of large human populations suggest possible benefits of tomato product intake in preventing cervical cancer. However, other studies report no benefits. Research that specifically studies lycopene supplements is lacking.           C

Infertility
Based on early study, taking lycopene seems to have a role in the management of idiopathic male infertility. Further research is needed to confirm these results.           C

Gastrointestinal tract and colorectal cancer prevention
Multiple studies have examined whether intake of tomatoes or tomato-based products helps prevent digestive tract cancers, including oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, gastric, colon, and rectal. Results have been inconsistent, with some studies reporting significant benefits, and others finding no effects. Research that specifically studies lycopene supplements is limited, and more research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.         C

High blood pressure associated with pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
Based on early study, lycopene may reduce the development of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation in women having their first child. Further research is needed to confirm these results.            C

Lung cancer prevention
Several studies observing large populations report a lower risk of developing lung cancer in people who regularly eat tomatoes. However, other studies report no benefits of tomato consumption. Research that specifically studies lycopene supplements is lacking.  

         C

Prostate cancer prevention
Studies of large populations report mixed results as to whether eating tomatoes/tomato-based products reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Research that specifically studies lycopene supplements is lacking.       C

Sun protection
Lycopene in combination with other carotenoids such as beta-carotene, vitamins C an E, selenium and proanthocyanidins, may help in reducing sunburn. Selected protective effects from UV rays have been observed in small, short-term studies. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.           C

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

AIDS, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cataracts, cognitive function, diabetes mellitus, esophageal cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, laryngeal cancer, mesothelioma, melanoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, periodontal disease, pharyngeal cancer, respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer, stroke prevention, stomach cancer, urinary tract cancer.

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)
Cancer prevention : Most research examining prevention of cancer has studied tomato and tomato-based products (tomato sauce or juice), not lycopene supplements specifically. Effectiveness has not been proven.

Immune system enhancement : 13.3 milligrams of lycopene daily, supplied as Lyco-O-Pen®, LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Asthma (exercise-induced) : 30 milligrams of lycopene daily, supplied as Lyc-O-Mato® (LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Atherosclerosis prevention : 1.243 grams of 6% lycopene oleoresin capsules daily (LycoRed Natural Product Industries Ltd., Israel) has been studied.

Sun protection : 8 milligrams of lycopene in combination with other antioxidants has been studied.

Infertility (male) : 2,000 micrograms of lycopene twice a day has been studied for three months.
Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend use of lycopene supplements in children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies
Avoid lycopene in people with allergy/hypersensitivity to lycopene or tomatoes.

Side Effects and Warnings
The safety of lycopene supplements has not been thoroughly studied. Review of available scientific literature finds no reports of serious toxicity or adverse effects from eating tomatoes, tomato-based products, or lycopene supplements. Tomatoes and tomato-based products may be acidic and irritate stomach ulcers.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There is not enough scientific research to recommend use of lycopene supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In one study, lycopene components were found in samples of human breast milk, at approximately 10% of blood concentrations. Amounts of lycopene found in foods are usually assumed to be safe. Tomato consumption has been shown to increase lycopene concentrations in breast milk and plasma of lactating women.

1.         Ansari MS, Gupta NP. A comparison of lycopene and orchidectomy vs orchidectomy alone in the management of advanced prostate cancer. BJU Int 2003;92(4):375-378.

2.         Bowen P, Chen L, Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M, et al. Tomato sauce supplementation and prostate cancer: lycopene accumulation and modulation of biomarkers of carcinogenesis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood ) 2002;227(10):886-893.

3.         Briviba K, Kulling SE, Moseneder J, et al. Effects of supplementing a low-carotenoid diet with a tomato extract for 2 weeks on endogenous levels of DNA single strand breaks and immune functions in healthy non-smokers and smokers. Carcinogenesis 2004;25(12):2373-2378.

4.         Broekmans WM, Klopping-Ketelaars IA, Weststrate JA, et al. Decreased carotenoid concentrations due to dietary sucrose polyesters do not affect possible markers of disease risk in humans. J Nutr 2003;133(3):720-726.

5.         Brown MJ, Ferruzzi MG, Nguyen ML, et al. Carotenoid bioavailability is higher from salads ingested with full-fat than with fat-reduced salad dressings as measured with electrochemical detection. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80(2):396-403.

6.         Clark PE, Hall MC, Borden LS Jr, et al. Phase I-II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy. Urology. 2006 Jun;67(6):1257-61.

7.         Gianetti J, Pedrinelli R, Petrucci R, et al. Inverse association between carotid intima-media thickness and the antioxidant lycopene in atherosclerosis. Am Heart J 2002;143(3):467-474.

8.         Giovannucci E, Clinton SK. Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1998;218(2):129-139.

9.         Giovannucci E. Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91(4):317-331.

10.       Giovannucci E, Rimm EB, Liu Y, et al. A prospective study of tomato products, lycopene, and prostate cancer risk. J Natl Cancer Inst 2002;94(5):391-398.

11.       Gupta NP, Kumar R. Lycopene therapy in idiopathic male infertility--a preliminary report. Int Urol Nephrol 2002;34(3):369-372.

12.       Hadley CW, Clinton SK, Schwartz SJ. The consumption of processed tomato products enhances plasma lycopene concentrations in association with a reduced lipoprotein sensitivity to oxidative damage. J Nutr 2003;133(3):727-732.

13.       Sharma JB, Kumar A, Kumar A, et al. Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2003;81(3):257-262.

14.       Singh M, Krishanappa R, Bagewadi A, et al. Efficacy of oral lycopene in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. Oral Oncol 2004;40(6):591-596.

15.       Watzl B, Bub A, Blockhaus M, et al. Prolonged tomato juice consumption has no effect on cell-mediated immunity of well-nourished elderly men and women. J Nutr 2000;130(7):1719-1723.

 

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prostate health from lycopene available from Good Health Group of America