Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases

CMAJ. 2000 Sep 19;163(6):739-44.

Abstract

Lycopene is a carotenoid that is present in tomatoes, processed tomato products and other fruits. It is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary carotenoids. Dietary intake of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Serum and tissue lycopene levels have been found to be inversely related to the incidence of several types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial effects, evidence is accumulating to suggest that other mechanisms may also be involved. In this article we outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current understanding of its role in human health and disease prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / chemistry
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / metabolism
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Availability
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Carotenoids / chemistry
  • Carotenoids / metabolism
  • Carotenoids / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diet Surveys
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Lycopene
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Solanum lycopersicum* / chemistry

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Carotenoids
  • Lycopene