Lycopene is a potent antioxidant with multiple health benefits. It has been shown to have anticancer effects, as it can inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce the risk of various cancers, including prostate and colorectal cancers.
Additionally, lycopene has been associated with cardioprotection, as it enhances endothelial function and decreases triglyceride levels in patients with ischemic heart failure.
It also has antidiabetic properties, as it reduces levels of fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Lycopene exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kB and c- Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and suppressing the expression of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-±, IL-1², and IL-6.
It also has antioxidant properties, increasing bone mineral density and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
In terms of reproductive health, lycopene can enhance sperm quality and fertility by decreasing lipid peroxidation and fragmentation of sperm DNA, as well as reducing oxidative stress.
It also has hepatoprotective effects, protecting against steatosis and liver damage, and regulating oxidative stress and liver enzyme levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Lycopene has been linked to antiobesity effects, as it decreases body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and total cholesterol while increasing HDL levels.
It also has renoprotective effects, as elevated levels of serum lycopene reduce the risk of mortality in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In terms of lung protection, lycopene decreases airway neutrophil influx and neutrophil elastase activity in sputum, and increases SOD and CAT while decreasing MDA, TNF-±, IL-1², and IL-6 levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It also has neuroprotective effects, as elevated serum levels of lycopene are associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mortality in adults and enhanced cognitive function in middle age.
Lycopene has gastroprotective effects, as it decreases the bleeding index and reduction in the percentage of gingivitis, and improves bowel function and helps prevent chronic constipation.
It also has osteoprotective effects, as it stimulates WNT/²-catenin and ERK1/2 pathways, increases the expression of RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, and COL1A, and decreases RANKL in Saos-2 cells.
In addition to these benefits, lycopene may also promote good oral health, bone health, and blood pressure.
It has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels, which is important for maintaining good blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Long-term lycopene consumption is also linked with skin cancer prevention, as it provides a consistent level of skin protection similar to a sunblock with SPF 1.3 protection.
Lycopene is considered safe, and there are no established upper limits recommended for its consumption. However, some cases of extremely high lycopene intake have led to slight skin discoloration, which is temporary and reverses after reducing lycopene intake. While research is ongoing, there are not currently any known negative side effects associated with taking lycopene.
Lycopene is found in various red and pink fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, guavas, apricots, watermelon, cranberries, bell peppers, and grapefruit. Heat-treated tomatoes result in a higher bioavailability of lycopene compared to raw, fresh tomatoes.
Lycopene can also be found in vitamins and supplements, but it is recommended to obtain it from food sources to gain the most benefits.
In summary, lycopene offers a wide range of health benefits, including anticancer, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sperm quality enhancement, hepatoprotective, antiobesity, renoprotective, lung protection, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and osteoprotective effects. It is a safe and beneficial nutrient that can be obtained from various food sources.