Lycopene (Tomato Carotenoid · Acyclic Carotene · Cardiovascular Antioxidant)
| CAS No. | 502-65-8 |
| Class | Carotenoid · Acyclic Carotene · Tetraterpene |
| Source | Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) — fruit (primary commercial source); also watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava |
| Claim strength | High |
| Buy from Herbuno | Lycopene 5%/10% Powder → |
The Mediterranean diet's association with cardiovascular health and longevity includes high tomato consumption as a consistent feature. Lycopene was identified as a key candidate compound in studies investigating why Mediterranean populations show favourable cardiovascular outcomes. Lycopene is an acyclic carotene — it lacks the terminal beta-ionone rings of beta-carotene and is therefore not a provitamin A precursor. It accumulates selectively in the prostate, adrenal glands, testes, and skin in humans.
Lycopene for Cardiovascular Health, Skin Photoprotection & Prostate Health — Evidence
Cardiovascular health — LDL oxidation protection: Multiple prospective studies and intervention trials document inverse associations between lycopene intake and cardiovascular disease risk. RCTs with supplemental lycopene at 15–45mg per day document reductions in LDL oxidation markers and improvements in arterial elasticity. Claim strength: High.
Skin photoprotection: A landmark RCT demonstrated that 16mg per day of tomato paste providing lycopene significantly reduced UV-induced erythema. Claim strength: High.
Prostate health: Epidemiological evidence consistently links higher lycopene intake with lower PSA levels and reduced prostate cancer risk. Intervention trials document improvements in PSA parameters. Claim strength: Moderate–High.
Lycopene Dosage, Format & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose: 15–45mg per day for cardiovascular and prostate health. Skin photoprotection studies used 16mg per day. At 10% lycopene content, 15mg requires 150mg of extract. Fat co-ingestion significantly improves lycopene absorption.
Stability: Lycopene is susceptible to oxidative degradation. Oil-dispersed lycopene in softgel format with antioxidant stabilisers is preferred. Confirm TOTOX value on the CoA.
Pairs with: Astaxanthin (complementary carotenoid antioxidant stack), beta-carotene (comprehensive carotenoid formulation), Vitamin E (lipid antioxidant synergy), zinc and selenium (men's prostate health formulations).
Frequently Asked Questions — Lycopene
Is lycopene a provitamin A?
No. Lycopene is an acyclic carotene without the beta-ionone ring required for vitamin A conversion. Its biological activity is entirely antioxidant-based.
Why is cooked tomato a better lycopene source than raw tomato?
Cooking ruptures cell walls releasing trapped lycopene, and fat provides the lipid vehicle for carotenoid absorption via bile acid micelles. Processed tomatoes with olive oil deliver more bioavailable lycopene than raw tomatoes despite equivalent total lycopene content.
What is the evidence for lycopene in prostate health?
Multiple cohort studies show inverse associations between dietary lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. RCTs show PSA reductions at 15–30mg per day. The FDA concluded the evidence was limited and not conclusive for a qualified health claim.
What lycopene percentage should I specify for supplement capsules?
For 15–30mg per day, 10% extract requires 150–300mg of extract — practical for a standard softgel or capsule.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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