Lycopene

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits & vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries).

In plants, algae, and other photosynthetic organisms, lycopene is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids, including beta carotene, responsible for yellow, orange or red pigmentation, photosynthesis, and photo-protection. Structurally, it is a tetraterpeneisoprene units, composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen, and is insoluble in water. Lycopene's eleven conjugated double bonds give it its deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity. Due to its strong color and non-toxicity, lycopene is a useful food coloring. assembled from eight

Lycopene is not an essential nutrient for humans, but is commonly found in the diet, mainly from dishes prepared with tomato sauce. When absorbed from the stomach, lycopene is transported in the blood by various lipoproteins and accumulates in the liver, adrenal glands, and testes.

Because preliminary research has shown an inverse correlation between consumption of tomatoes and cancer risk, lycopene has been considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer. However, this area of research and the relationship with prostate cancer have been deemed insufficient of evidence for health claim approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (see below under Antioxidant properties and potential health benefits).

Lycopene is a carotenoid originally isolated from a type of European yam in 1873. The proven antioxidant is best known, however, as a constituent of tomatoes, from which it was first extracted in 1875.

Similar to other carotenoids, lycopene is responsible for the coloration of various fruits and vegetables. Lycopene provides, for instance, the red pigment of tomatoes and certain varieties of chilies, as well as the pinkish hue of watermelon, grapefruit, and guava. As a carotenoid, lycopene is also essential for plant growth and photosynthesis. The substance, which can only be manufactured by green plants and some microorganisms, is also being found to be important for the good health of humans and other animals, which must obtain lycopene through dietary sources.

Lycopene tends to concentrate in bodily tissues at higher amounts than all other carotenoids, especially in the testes and adrenal glands. Indeed, dietary consumption of lycopene may be especially beneficial to men, since the carotenoid has been strongly associated with a lowered risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have also suggested that men who eat significant quantities of foods rich in lycopene are less likely to experience heart disease than those who do not. Yet, women may considerably benefit from lycopene consumption as well, since recent research indicates that lycopene may lessen the risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation, and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix, and skin.