Products
Lycopene is not approved as a drug in many countries, but is marketed as a dietary supplement and food coloring (e.g., Alpinamed). In the English-speaking world, it is referred to as.
Structure and properties
Lycopene (C40H56, Mr = 536.9 g/mol) is a naturally occurring hydrophobic carotenoid found in tomatoes that gives them their red color. It is also found in red grapefruit, guava, papaya, and watermelon, among other fruits. Lycopene is composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms and has no vitamin A activity such as beta-carotene. It is found in higher concentrations in processed and cooked foods than in fresh fruits and exists primarily in the all- configuration.
Effects
Lycopene is believed to have antioxidant, antitumor, and photoprotective properties. Several epidemiological studies indicate that it may counteract the development of cancer.
Indications for use
Lycopene is used as a dietary supplement for the prevention of cancer (e.g., prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer), cardiovascular disease, and as an oral sunscreen, among other uses. Scientific literature varies as to whether it is actually effective for this purpose.
