Lycopene

Synonym(s)

Lycopene

Definition
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Carotenoid found in high concentrations in tomatoes (from whose scientific name Solanum lycopersicum also derives the name of the substance), papayas and rose hips Due to its polyene structure, the substance has a red colour, which also gives the tomatoes their characteristic colouring.

General information
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Counts among the antioxidants, is considered a radical scavenger. Studies indicate that lycopene can reduce the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer (e.g. prostate and lung cancer).

In addition, the UV protection of the skin is improved by the incorporation of lycopene into the skin layers. This has been clinically and experimentally proven. A lycopene rich nutrient complex from tomatoes in capsule form (5mg lycopene) was able to inhibit the UV-A/-B induced upregulation of mRNA of haematogenase 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and matrix metal peptidase 1. Lutein also offered significant protection in this respect. To what extent this study could have therapeutic-medicinal consequences in light-sensitive persons may be doubtful, since daily doses of 20mg lutein and 20mg lycopene are consumed when 130g of crushed kale and 242g of tomato juice are consumed (Grether-Beck S et al. 2017).

Clinical picture
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Excessive consumption leads to a yellowish dyschromia of the skin (see below aurantiasis cutis).

Literature
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Grether-Beck S et al (2017) Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Br J Dermatol 176:1231-1240.