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Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases
... One of the choices for treatment is herbal medicines that have been used for many chronic diseases and are also used in OLP. The administration of herbal medicines together with steroids in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a standard control provides an unbiased insight into the current guidelines for the spectrum of herbal therapies that can replace other treatments of OLP patients (12). Lycopene is a red color carotenoid and is soluble in fat, which gives a deep red color to crops and fruits like tomatoes (12,13). ...
... The administration of herbal medicines together with steroids in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a standard control provides an unbiased insight into the current guidelines for the spectrum of herbal therapies that can replace other treatments of OLP patients (12). Lycopene is a red color carotenoid and is soluble in fat, which gives a deep red color to crops and fruits like tomatoes (12,13). Because of its antioxidant activity, it has many benefits on human health, such as prevention of cancer cell multiplication, stimulation of growth factor, enforcement on the enzymes of phase II, adjustment of transcription and recovery of junctions' gap (12). ...
... Lycopene is a red color carotenoid and is soluble in fat, which gives a deep red color to crops and fruits like tomatoes (12,13). Because of its antioxidant activity, it has many benefits on human health, such as prevention of cancer cell multiplication, stimulation of growth factor, enforcement on the enzymes of phase II, adjustment of transcription and recovery of junctions' gap (12). By physical and chemical suppressing of free radicals, lycopene performs an antioxidant activity; it is also known as the most effective oxygen suppressing carotenoid (12,13). ...
Oral lichen planus (OLP) as an inflammatory disease is autoimmune in nature and there is no definitive treatment for it. Currently, topical and systemic corticosteroids have been adopted as the gold standard in the treatment of OLP, which have significant side effects. Nowadays, the tendency towards natural medicines with antioxidant properties as an alternative treatment has increased due to their low side effects. The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to focus on comparing the effects of lycopene as an herbal intervention and corticosteroids on OLP in clinical trials. The search using keywords was done through provided databases from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus until March 2023. After removing duplicate articles and screening them according to eligibility criteria, 5 articles remained and were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, significant difference was not observed between the lycopene and corticosteroid groups in terms of reducing pain and improving clinical symptoms after treatment. Lycopene was tolerated well and no specific adverse effects were shown. The systematic review results showed the significant effect of lycopene in the treatment of OLP. The results of this meta-analysis can be useful because no significant side effects have been specified for lycopene. Hence, it might be used instead of steroids.
... Thirteen recognized wild tomato species showcase diverse phenotypes that can be hybridized with cultivated tomatoes. These wild tomato varieties hold significant value in breeding programs, as they offer soughtafter characteristics (Agarwal;Rao, 2000) and are instrumental in evolutionary research. As the tomato genome sequencing effort progresses, valuable data has been produced to support tomato research. ...
... Thirteen recognized wild tomato species showcase diverse phenotypes that can be hybridized with cultivated tomatoes. These wild tomato varieties hold significant value in breeding programs, as they offer soughtafter characteristics (Agarwal;Rao, 2000) and are instrumental in evolutionary research. As the tomato genome sequencing effort progresses, valuable data has been produced to support tomato research. ...
Tomatoes possess valuable medicinal properties with high lycopene and flavonoid content, recognized for diverse pharmacological impacts. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant traits of the ethyl acetate tomato extract while identifying its main components. The antioxidant potential was determined through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay, while the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Additionally, the components present in the extract were explored through GC-Mass spectroscopy. The final extraction ratio was calculated at 31.38±0.76%. Over 25 individual compounds were discerned in the tomato extract, encompassing myricetin 50.7%, n-hexadecanoic acid 19.9%, salicylic acid 13.77%, octenyl succinic acid 1.58%, vanillic acid 1.41%, dimethyl benzene 1.02%, Iso-quercitrin 1.02%, Hexadecanol 0.85%, Nomane-a-tomatidine 0.77%, a-tocopherol 0.76%, Homoserine 0.76%, and other compounds in smaller quantities. The extract exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains (S. aureus and P. aeruginosa). Notably, S. aureus displayed higher susceptibility to the tomato diethyl acetate extract concentrations in the culture media than P. aeruginosa. The ethyl acetate tomato extract showcased distinct 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that the tomato extract possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, showing promise as a valuable source of natural compounds for new drug development.
... Both the quantity and quality of these phytochemicals are controlled by the intrinsic genetic attributes of the plants and the environmental conditions [7]. Epidemiological and related meta-analyses support the proposed regular consumption of tomato and tomato-based products to reduce the risk of chronic diseases [8]. Studies of long-termed consumption of tomatoes indicate that this could reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases [8] and cancer [9]. ...
... Epidemiological and related meta-analyses support the proposed regular consumption of tomato and tomato-based products to reduce the risk of chronic diseases [8]. Studies of long-termed consumption of tomatoes indicate that this could reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases [8] and cancer [9]. Because of their wide culinary use and health-beneficial effects, tomatoes have huge market demand. ...
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is highly popular because of its versatility and the nutrient content of the fruit. Three tropical tomato cultivars; “Red Rock”, “Super Star”, and “Tropical” grown in controlled greenhouse conditions, were investigated to ascertain the influence of cultivar on the agronomic traits and phytochemical contents of fruits. Wide ranges of variation were found between cultivars for plant height, flower and fruit yield. Flowers of each cultivar varied in numbers of sepal and petals (5–6), style length (6.95–7.52 mm) and pollen size (20.64–28.81 µm) with ovary locules varying from three (Super Star) to five (Tropical). Tropical showed the highest fruit weight (fresh weight; 1.67–2.29-fold) and area (1.12–1.21-fold) compared to Red Rock and Super Star. Super Star showed the highest antioxidant (1.03–1.05-fold), total phenol (1.49–1.63-fold), total flavonoid (1.10–1.23-fold), total anthocyanin (1.86–3.48-fold) and lycopene content (2.22–1.05-fold) compared to Red Rock and Tropical. Red Rock showed the highest total sugar (2.16–4.45-fold) and Tropical (1.53–1.19-fold) showed the highest ascorbic acid content. PCA analysis of ten measured traits showed 92.27% of the total variability and a strong correlation between fruit characteristics and phytochemical properties. Total phenol, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins showed a positive correlation with each other and a negative correlation with ascorbic acid content and fruit weight. Total flavonoids and total sugar were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with lycopene and fruit weight. PCA showed a strong association of phytochemical properties with fruit characteristics. This study can serve as a reference for trait-based breeding studies in tomatoes.
... Thirteen recognized wild tomato species showcase diverse phenotypes that can be hybridized with cultivated tomatoes. These wild tomato varieties hold significant value in breeding programs, as they offer soughtafter characteristics (Agarwal;Rao, 2000) and are instrumental in evolutionary research. As the tomato genome sequencing effort progresses, valuable data has been produced to support tomato research. ...
... Thirteen recognized wild tomato species showcase diverse phenotypes that can be hybridized with cultivated tomatoes. These wild tomato varieties hold significant value in breeding programs, as they offer soughtafter characteristics (Agarwal;Rao, 2000) and are instrumental in evolutionary research. As the tomato genome sequencing effort progresses, valuable data has been produced to support tomato research. ...
Tomatoes possess valuable medicinal properties with high lycopene and flavonoid content, recognized for diverse pharmacological impacts. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant traits of the ethyl acetate tomato extract while identifying its main components. The antioxidant potential was determined through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay, while the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. Additionally, the components present in the extract were explored through GC-Mass spectroscopy. The final extraction ratio was calculated at 31.38±0.76%. Over 25 individual compounds were discerned in the tomato extract, encompassing myricetin 50.7%, n-hexadecanoic acid 19.9%, salicylic acid 13.77%, octenyl succinic acid 1.58%, vanillic acid 1.41%, dimethyl benzene 1.02%, Iso-quercitrin 1.02%, Hexadecanol 0.85%, Nomane-a-tomatidine 0.77%, a-tocopherol 0.76%, Homoserine 0.76%, and other compounds in smaller quantities. The extract exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains (S. aureus and P. aeruginosa). Notably, S. aureus displayed higher susceptibility to the tomato diethyl acetate extract concentrations in the culture media than P. aeruginosa. The ethyl acetate tomato extract showcased distinct 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that the tomato extract possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, showing promise as a valuable source of natural compounds for new drug development. Keywords: natural compounds; bacterial strains; free radical; Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry. Caracterização por espectroscopia de massa (GC) do extrato de acetato de etila de tomate e suas propriedades antibacterianas e antioxidantes RESUMO: Os tomates possuem propriedades medicinais valiosas com alto teor de licopeno e flavonóides, reconhecidos por diversos impactos farmacológicos. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características antibacterianas e antioxidantes do extrato de tomate com acetato de etila e identificar seus principais componentes. O potencial antioxidante foi determinado através do ensaio do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila, enquanto a atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em placas de ágar. Adicionalmente, os componentes presentes no extrato foram explorados através de espectroscopia GC-Mass. A taxa de extração final foi de 31,38±0,76%. Mais de 25 compostos individuais foram discernidos no extrato de tomate, abrangendo miricetina 50,7%, ácido n-hexadecanóico 19,9%, ácido salicílico 13,77%, ácido octenil succínico 1,58%, ácido vanílico 1,41%, dimetil benzeno 1,02%, iso-quercitrina 1,02%, Hexadecanol 0,85%, Nomane-a-tomatidina 0,77%, a-tocoferol 0,76%, Homoserina 0,76% e outros compostos em quantidades menores. O extrato exibiu amplo espectro de atividade antibacteriana contra as cepas bacterianas testadas (S. aureus e P. aeruginosa). Notavelmente, S. aureus apresentou maior suscetibilidade às concentrações de extrato de acetato de dietila de tomate no meio de cultura do que P. aeruginosa. O extrato de tomate com acetato de etila apresentou atividade distinta de eliminação de radicais livres 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil. Os resultados indicam que o extrato de tomate possui qualidades antibacterianas e antioxidantes significativas, mostrando-se promissor como uma fonte valiosa de compostos naturais para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos. Palavras-chave: compostos naturais; cepas bacterianas; radicais livres; Cromatografia Gasosa - Espectrometria de Massa.
... Protective effects against ROS are provided by the antioxidant defense system. While polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E are derived from diet, antioxidants like catalases, glutathione peroxidases, and superoxide dismutase are found within human cells [5]. Naturally occurring in tomatoes, lycopene has significant anti-cancerous and anti-atherogenic qualities. ...
... By ensnaring reactive oxygen species (ROS), dietary lycopene increases the body's natural lycopene concentration and boosts total antioxidant capacity, thereby mitigating oxidative damage to biological molecules. The bioactivities of tomatoes are depicted in Figure 2 [5]. Table 1 Some phytoconstituents of tomato along with structures and pharmacological activity [6][7][8][9][10][11]. ...
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. The search for novel therapeutic agents to mitigate the progression of the disease and alleviate its symptoms has led to the exploration of natural compounds. Solanum lycopersicum L., commonly known as tomato, contains various phytoconstituents that have shown promise in neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic value of Solanum lycopersicum L. phytoconstituents for Parkinson's disease through a comprehensive molecular docking analysis. Using state-of-the-art computational techniques, we will evaluate the binding interactions between these phytoconstituents and key protein targets associated with Parkinson's disease. The findings from this research may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies and drug candidates for the management of Parkinson's disease.
... It is consumed in many different ways, including raw in salads and sandwiches, cooked or processed in ketchup, pickles, puree, sauces, or dried powder, etc. Lycopene, a strong antioxidant found in tomato, it plays a significant role in the prevention of cancer. (Agarwal and Rao, 2000) [1]. Tomato is regarded as nutritional vegetable crop and good source of Vitamin A (1000 IU), Vitamin C (22 mg), minerals like Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Organic acids (Maleic and Citric acid) and it is also serves as cheapest source to meet daily nutritional requirements (Saleem et al, 2013 [7] ; Gupta et al, 2019) [2] . ...
... It is consumed in many different ways, including raw in salads and sandwiches, cooked or processed in ketchup, pickles, puree, sauces, or dried powder, etc. Lycopene, a strong antioxidant found in tomato, it plays a significant role in the prevention of cancer. (Agarwal and Rao, 2000) [1]. Tomato is regarded as nutritional vegetable crop and good source of Vitamin A (1000 IU), Vitamin C (22 mg), minerals like Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Organic acids (Maleic and Citric acid) and it is also serves as cheapest source to meet daily nutritional requirements (Saleem et al, 2013 [7] ; Gupta et al, 2019) [2] . ...
A field experiment was carried out at PG Research Block, College of Horticulture, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to assess the "Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality parameters in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Hybrids under Southern Telangana Zone'' during Rabi season 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with fourteen treatments and three replications with two factors viz., factor one consists of two treatments A1-Arka Rakshak, A2-Arka Samrat and factor two includes seven treatments B1-GA3 @ 20 ppm, B2-GA3 @ 30 ppm, B3-NAA @ 20 ppm, B4-NAA @ 30 ppm, B5-2,4-D @ 5 ppm, B6-2,4-D 10 ppm, B7-Control. Significant difference was observed for all the parameters under study. Results revealed that highest Ascorbic acid (19.34 mg/100 g), T.S.S. (4.38 0 brix) and Lycopene (5.27 mg/100 g) was recorded in the treatment combination of T2-A1B2-Arka Rakshak + GA3 @ 30 ppm. While the lowest Ascorbic acid (14.82 mg/100 g), T.S.S. (3.03 0 brix) and Lycopene (3.66 mg/100 g) was recorded in the treatment combination of T14-A2B7-Arka Samrat @ control (3.66 mg/100 gm) compared with all other treatments.
... Studies highlight that tomato consumption decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In addition, some authors argue that they are potentially Brazilian Journal of Health Review, Curitiba, v. 7, n. 3, p. 01-16, may/jun., 2024 involved in the protection against degenerative diseases (Agarwal e Rao, 2000;Caris-Veyrat et. al., 2004;Giovannucci, 1999;Hlihor et. ...
Objectives: to bring together investigations on the impact of the consumption of organic and non-organic foods on health, focusing on the consumption of tomatoes and the child population. Methods: scientific articles relevant to the discussion of the topic and found in databases were included in this narrative review. Results: Organic foods were associated with a decrease in the risk of several diseases, organic tomatoes were shown to have a higher content of bioactive compounds, which favor cognitive and immune health and reduce the risk of several diseases. However, conventionally grown (non-organic) foods, are related to the development of immunological, hormonal, reproductive, neural, and cancer diseases. Children can be infected by maternal exposure during pregnancy until the end of childhood, being affected to a greater extent than adults. Such exposure increases the risk of cancer and nerve damage, which affects neurodevelopment and cognition. In addition, associations were reported between exposure to pesticide residues and respiratory diseases, allergies, inflammation, obesity, anthropometric changes, and motor development. Conclusion: The studies included in this review support the consumption of organic tomatoes to benefit the health of adults and children.
... Lycopene is an acyclic isomer derived from β-carotene (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). A long-term study over 17 years found that increased lycopene consumption was associated with a lower incidence of hip and nonvertebral fractures, highlighting its potential role in bone health (Sahni et al., 2009). ...
Background
Osteoporosis (OP) is typically diagnosed by evaluating bone mineral density (BMD), and it frequently results in fractures. Here, we investigated the causal relationships between diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of OP using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
Published studies were used to identify instrumental variables related to absolute levels of circulating antioxidants like lycopene, retinol, ascorbate, and β-carotene, as well as antioxidant metabolites such as ascorbate, retinol, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol. Outcome variables included BMD (in femoral neck, lumbar spine, forearm, heel, total body, total body (age over 60), total body (age 45–60), total body (age 30–45), total body (age 15–30), and total body (age 0–15)), fractures (in arm, spine, leg, heel, and osteoporotic fractures), and OP. Inverse variance weighted or Wald ratio was chosen as the main method for MR analysis based on the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Furthermore, we performed sensitivity analyses to confirm the reliability of the findings.
Results
We found a causal relationship between absolute retinol levels and heel BMD ( p = 7.6E-05). The results of fixed effects IVW showed a protective effect of absolute retinol levels against heel BMD, with per 0.1 ln-transformed retinol being associated with a 28% increase in heel BMD (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13–1.44). In addition, a sex-specific effect of the absolute circulating retinol levels on the heel BMD has been observed in men. No other significant causal relationship was found.
Conclusion
There is a positive causal relationship between absolute retinol levels and heel BMD. The implications of our results should be taken into account in future studies and in the creation of public health policies and OP prevention tactics.
... In addition, tomatoes contain a wide variety of phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, and flavonols (such as kaempferol and quercetin) [115]. The primary carotenoid found in tomatoes and tomato-based products is lycopene, which has been associated with a lower risk of long-term conditions like cancer and heart disease [116] ...
The primary goal of drug metabolism, sometimes referred to as pharmacokinetic process, is to change a medication's chemical structure to make it more readily excretable. Typically, phase I and phase II reactions involve this mechanism. Xenobiotics can stimulate or inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in phase I processes. The goal of this research is to clarify the clinical significance of CYP450 induction and inhibition by demonstrating how certain bioactive compounds found in foods or natural products derived from fruits and vegetables can alter CYP450 enzyme activity, impacting drug bioavailability and depuration in addition. The interaction between natural products and foods derived from fruits and vegetables and some pharmaceuticals that can result in toxicity or therapeutic failure will be explained with a few instances. This will make it possible to compile pertinent data regarding appropriate pharmaceutical management in a range of clinical contexts.
... Tomatoes and food products that contain tomatoes make it easier for the body to absorb a range of carotenoids, including lycopene and other types of carotenoids Khachik et al. 1992). These carotenoids are the major source of hydrocarbons that prevent and cure malignant diseases like prostate cancer, breast cancer (Canene-Adams et al. 2005), lung cancer (Feskanich et al. 2000) and other diseases like cataracts, heart diseases (Siemensma 1996;Agarwal and Rao 2000;Rao and Rao 2003), diabetics, hyperglycemia (Boss and Agrawal 2007), inflammation, arthritis (Ames et al. 1993), immune system decline, brain dysfunction (Halliwell 1996;Petr and Erdman 2005) and maintenances of body homeostasis (Kennedy et al. 2006). Flavonoids are another diverse group of chemicals in tomatoes with an estimated daily intake of 0.023 to 1 gm/day in the human diet. ...
The significance of diet in connection to human health has raised consumer demand for foods high in nutraceuticals, particularly fruits, and vegetables. The antioxidant phytochemicals vitamins A, C, & E, beta-carotene, carotenes, flavonoids, flavones, total phenolic compounds, etc. are just a few of the many antioxidant phytochemicals that tomatoes are a rich source of DNA, protein, and lipid are all severely harmed by oxidant byproducts of normal metabolism. This damage is a potential contributor to aging as well as degenerative and malignant disorders such as cataracts, immune system decline, cardiovascular disease, and a variety of cancers. Flavonoids, ascorbate, tocopherol, and carotenoids, among others, are antioxidant defenses against these harms. The phenolic chemicals found in tomatoes may also function as antimicrobials, aiding in the management of a wide range of infections. Finally, we want to underline how important it is to establish a connection between the unique breeding of tomato plants and genetic research with the production and overexpression of compounds that are beneficial to human health.
... Fenugreek and the roots of wild yam are just two examples of the numerous plants that contain diosgenin. Diosgenin has a variety of biological effects, including the ability to reduce inflammation without triggering PPARs (143) by up-regulating I-κB-α degradation and activating JNK (142). In HepG2 cells, diosgenin prevented TG buildup and lipogenic gene expression. ...
Around the world, obesity and weight gain are becoming more and more prevalent. Numerous comorbidities, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and sleep disorders, are linked to obesity. The key to successful weight loss remains appropriate lifestyle and behavioral strategies, yet upholding such a balanced living is quite difficult. Thus, recently, lifestyle modifications are getting crucial. The main drivers of obesity are insufficient physical activity, immoderate fat and sugar intake, sleep deprivation, and excessive screen time. Considering the requirement to carefully examine natural products with the potential to treat obesity. Many plant products having polyphenols, terpenoids, organosulphur, and phytosterols have been investigated for governing obesity. One of the key contributions to the industry for dietary supplements' overall revenue is the weight loss sector. This article is made to explore the role of various efficient natural products in modifying obesity and their intended target pathways.
... In our study, the Ema de Buzău cultivar exhibited a TDM (total dry matter) content exceeding 10%, a Lycopene, a carotenoid pigment found in red fruits and vegetables, is considered a potent antioxidant (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). Preliminary research suggests that individuals who include tomatoes in their diet may potentially have a reduced risk of cancer, possibly due to lycopene's impact on prostate cancer mechanisms. ...
... Tomatoes have many vitamins, minerals and trace minerals that are easily absorbed, helping the body strengthen immunity and prevent infections (Ali et al., 2021). Tomatoes are also an excellent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, commonly known as secondary metabolites, the concentrations of which are correlated with the prevention of human chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases (Agarwal and Rao, 2000;Cheng, 2019;Willcox et al., 2003). ...
Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high content of essential nutrients. Some physiological and biochemical indicators of ripe tomatoes grown in Vietnam were analyzed to determine the nutritional components. Research results show that tomatoes should be harvested 46 days after anthesis (DAA) to ensure the yield and nutritional value of the fruit during storage. At this time, the fruit contains many main nutrients such as reducing sugars, vitamin C, amino acids, organic acids, mineral elements.
... Additionally, PS can be employed for the encapsulation of pigments such as lycopene, a natural red pigment found in tomatoes that has been associated with numerous health benefits, including chronic illness and cardiovascular disease (Agarwal et al., 2000). However, lycopene is susceptible to chemical degradation when exposed to high temperatures, oxygen, and light, leading to color fading and loss of bioactive properties (Jain et al., 2020). ...
The present study focuses on the utilization of non-conventional starch (NS) derived from guinea grass seed to produce porous starch (PS) and octenyl succinic anhydride-modified PS (OSAPS). This study introduces a novel approach to produce PS, aiming to overcome the high cost associated with glucoamylase. The formation of porous granules was successfully achieved through the combination of alpha-amylase and ultrasonication, as confirmed by electron micrographs and analysis of pore size and specific surface area. The results demonstrate that OSAPS exhibits superior emulsion stability, well-defined pore structures, and desirable amphiphilic characteristics. All three starches were loaded with lycopene, flaxseed oil, and a combination of both to prepare microcapsules. The presence of flaxseed oil within the starch matrix was confirmed through micrographs and functional group analysis. Notably, OSAPS exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency at 74.80%, along with a lycopene retention rate of up to 27.32 mg/100 g. Moreover, OSAPS showcased favorable antioxidant activity (89.29%), phenolic content (0.45 mg GAE/g), and flavonoid content (97.61 mg QE/100g). These findings underscore the remarkable potential of OSAPS as a delivery system for bioactive compounds, particularly for the co-encapsulation of oils and pigments.
... It is a plentiful source of minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, and amino acids (A, C & K). Tomato contains lycopene, a very potent antioxidant that prevents cancers" [1]. ...
Early blight is the important disease of tomato because it causes huge economic loss to the farmer every year. Alternaria solani cause early blight of tomato and it is considered weed of field because of its wide adaptability under different environment. Use of fungicides for the management of disease in crop puts a large number of negative health and environmental effects therefore, the urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach to manage disease without fungicides. To avoid relying solely on chemicals and to identify a viable alternative component,this experiment was conducted to conclude the Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Neem cake and bio-agents on early blight (Alternaria solani) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) by soil application with Neem cake @ 250kg/ha and seedling treatment with bio agents in single and combination viz Pseudomonas fluorescens @10g/lit, Bacillu thuringiensis @10g/lit, Trichoderma viride @10g/lit, Pseudomonas fluorescens@5g/lit +Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit, Pseudomonas fluorescens@5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit and Trichoderma viride @ 5g/lit + Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit both in-vivo and in-vitro for their effectiveness to manage early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani .All the treatments were found significantly reduced the severity of the disease and increased growth parameters, Among all the treatments Neem cake@250kg/ha+ Pseudomonas fluorescens @5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @ 5g/lit followed by Neem cake@250kg/ha + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit + Bacillus thuringiensis @5g/lit were significantly superior over other treatments in reducing early blight infection and also in increasing growth parameters of the crop. For in-vitro studies only bio agents were selected among the treatments Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride showed highest mycelia inhibition (89.3%) followed by Trichoderma viride + Bacillus thuringiensis (86.6%). The highest cost benefit ratio was obtained with Neem cake 250kg/ha + Pseudomonas fluorescens @5g/lit + Trichoderma viride @5g/lit treatment (1:3.85). while other treatments also showed significantly effective for the checking of disease intensity and yield over control in the field condition.
... Achieving a balance between scientific progress and societal concerns is crucial in the ethical application of biotechnology. Ethical considerations include ensuring equitable access to biotechnological interventions, addressing potential unintended consequences, and considering the broader social, cultural, and economic implications of biotechnological advancements [14]. ...
The Genetic Frontier: Unlocking the Secrets of DNA with Biotechnology" is a comprehensive review that explores the revolutionary advancements in biotechnology and their impact on unravelling the mysteries of DNA. This review highlights the key breakthroughs and methodologies employed in the field, shedding light on the profound implications for medicine, agriculture, and other areas of scientific research. By examining the applications of biotechnology in decoding DNA sequences, manipulating genetic material, and understanding genetic variations, this review showcases how these advancements have transformed our understanding of life's building blocks and opened up new possibilities for human progress. The review concludes with a discussion on the ethical considerations and future prospects of biotechnology in harnessing the potential of DNA.
... µg/mL for HSV-2) [45,46], kaempferol [47], and myricetin [44]. Furthermore, natural antioxidants, such as bioactive carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, phytoene, phytofluene), phytosterols (β-sitosterol), and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin,) have a beneficial role in human health and chronic diseases owing to their ability to modulate the activity of specific enzymes or inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) acting as free radical scavengers [48][49][50]. Additionally, it is well known that the pharmacological profile of flavonoids, carotenoids, glycoalkaloids, and phytosterols includes anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, vasodilator, and cardioprotective effects [51][52][53][54][55]. ...
The rise of drug resistance to antivirals poses a significant global concern for public health; therefore, there is a pressing need to identify novel compounds that can effectively counteract strains resistant to current antiviral treatments. In light of this, researchers have been exploring new approaches, including the investigation of natural compounds as alternative sources for developing potent antiviral therapies. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the antiviral properties of the organic-soluble fraction of a root exudate derived from the tomato plant Solanum lycopersicum in the context of herpesvirus infections. Our findings demonstrated that a root exudate from Solanum lycopersicum exhibits remarkable efficacy against prominent members of the family Herpesviridae, specifically herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (EC50 25.57 µg/mL, SI > 15.64) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (EC50 9.17 µg/mL, SI 32.28) by inhibiting a molecular event during the herpesvirus replication phase. Moreover, the phytochemical fingerprint of the Solanum lycopersicum root exudate was characterized through mass spectrometry. Overall, these data have unveiled a novel natural product with antiherpetic activity, presenting a promising and valuable alternative to existing drugs.
... It provides a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals. Ripe tomatoes have a high content of the antioxidant lycopene which plays a possible role in the prevention of certain forms of cancer [2]. Another important antioxidant is carotene also noted for its cancer prevention properties [3]. ...
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) of Solanaceae family is an important
vegetable worldwide. Among the vegetables, tomato ranks first among the
processing crops. It is very good source of vitamins A, B, C and minerals.
phosphorus and sulfur. Tomato is native of Andaman region that includes
parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chilli. All tomato wild
relatives are native to this area. Early blight is one of the most destructive
fungal diseases affecting potato, tomato, and other solanaceous plants like
eggplant and pepper. This disease can destroy a tomato field in two or
three weeks. Therefore, the present research was carried out to control the
alternarial blight by using different bio agents and botanicals as well as their
combinations at field of Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural
Institute Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and
Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during 2018-2019. Different bioagents and
botanicals where used in different concentrations. The experiment comprises
seven treatment combination is T0:Control, T1: Neem oil+T. viride, T2:Neem
oil+P. florescens, T3:T. viride+P. florescens, T4:T. viride+P. florescens+Neem oil,
T5:Neem oil and T6:Trichoderma viride and T7:Pseudomonas flourescens. Results
have revealed that the combination of Neem oil+Pseudomonas flourescens was
the best effective in comparison to other treatment followed by Trichoderma
viride+Pseudomonas flourescens+Neem oil was effective. It was also observed
that these treatments are organic as well as it also has good cost benefit ratio
... Many ailments, especially chronic ones, can be cured with cherry tomatoes. [6]. Cherry tomatoes are adaptive to multiple growing substrates and environmental conditions, making them a high-demand vegetable throughout the world for many gardeners and growers. ...
Its a article, which report the Horticultural performance of cherry Tomatoes.
... Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are important fruits classified as a berry and commonly consumed for its red pigment due to lycopene content which has been reported as a source of antioxidant (Berry, 2004). Tomato fruits are extremely beneficial to human health due to their richness in folate, potassium, vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids (Agarwal and Rao, 2007). Blanching is a thermal treatment that is usually performed prior to food processes such as drying, freezing, frying, and canning (Arroqui et al., 2003). ...
Tomato is one of the most widely consumed fresh vegetables in the world. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of oil marination on nutrient content of fresh tomatoes. The tomatoes were grouped into three. The group 1 served as the fresh (control), group 2 was the unblanched and group 3 was the blanched tomatoes. Both the groups 2 and 3 were oil immersed and stored for 6 weeks. The vitamins (A, C and E) contents of the fresh marinated tomatoes (75.14mg/100g, 15.14mg/100g and 154.34mg/100g) respectively were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the concentration found in the unblanched and blanched marinated tomatoes. The lycopene content of the fresh oil marinated tomatoes is 21.53mg/100g which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the unblanched tomatoes (16.64 to 17.81 mg/100g) and the blanched (19.05 to 20.63 mg/100g). The sodium ion concentration on fresh sample is 122.01mg/kg, this value was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of blanched and unblanched marinated tomatoes. There was no significant difference in the calcium ion and potassium ion concentration of the fresh tomatoes with that of blanched and unblanched samples. The magnesium ion content in the fresh sample was 1.4 mg/kg which was significantly (P<0.05) greater than that of the blanched marinated tomatoes (0.95 to 1.26mg/kg) and the unblanched (0.89 to 1.14mg/kg). The oil marinated tomatoes did not rotten for the entire six weeks under observation. This might be a better way for a long-term preservation of fresh tomatoes.
... org/ faost at/ en/# data/ QCL). It has assumed the status of "functional food" due to its high concentration in health-related biomolecules (nutraceuticals) (Dorais et al. 2008) that have been proven to reduce risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases upon consumption (e.g., Agarwal and Rao 2000;Giovannucci 1999;Heber 2000;Toor and Savage 2005). This protective effect has been mainly attributed to the antioxidant activity performed by the carotenoid constituents of the fruits, particularly lycopene and β-carotene (Clinton 1998;Di Mascio et al. 1989;Stahl and Sies 1996). ...
Contrasting life-history characteristics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal families may have important implications for mycorrhizal functioning. Nevertheless, the effect of inoculation with AM fungi having different life-history strategies on the quality parameters of tomato fruits was not investigated. In this study, fruit and sauce quality of two tomato varieties were evaluated in field conditions after inoculation with four AM fungal species belonging to Glomeraceae and Gigasporaceae. The functional relationship between AM fungal traits (i.e., root colonization structures, community diversity) and fruit quality parameters was analyzed. AM fungal inoculation increased total phenols (TPC) and lycopene concentration in fruits of both varieties (47% and 247%, respectively) and antioxidant activity in var. Rio Grande (85%). Gigasporaceae were more effective in increasing TPC and antioxidant activity compared to Glomeraceae in var. Rio Grande. Gigaspora gigantea outperformed Scutellospora pellucida in var. Pisanello for TPC, antioxidant activity, and lycopene. Inoculated strains of G. gigantea, S. pellucida, Funneliformis mosseae, and Sclerocystis sinuosa were molecularly retrieved within tomato roots. In both varieties, a functional relationship between occurrence of arbuscules in roots and fruit quality was found. In var. Rio Grande, the abundance of some native AM fungal taxa shaped the pattern of fruit quality parameters. Gigasporaceae might be of great relevance for the synthesis of health-promoting compounds in tomato and should be included in biostimulant programmes targeting the production of high-quality vegetables.
... In today's health-conscious society, consumers are increasingly drawn to vegetables replete with these bioactive compounds, celebrated for their positive impact on human health. Scientific evidence underscores their ability to safeguard cells from oxidative harm and act preventatively against the onset of degenerative conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's [5]. ...
Tomato quality is intricately regulated by a combination of factors, including the presence of bioactive compounds referred to as secondary metabolites and various organoleptic characteristics. These attributes are notably influenced and harmonized by the specific growing conditions, with a particular emphasis on the type of fertilization employed. Traditionally, chemical fertilizers have been favored in crop cultivation due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to accelerate crop growth. However, in pursuit of sustainable and intelligent agricultural practices, there is a growing need for alternative fertilizers. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the impact of fertilizers derived from waste materials, specifically sulfur bentonite and orange residue (referred to as SB), on tomato quality. This assessment extended to examining qualitative and quantitative alterations in aroma-related volatile compounds and the antioxidant systems of tomatoes, in comparison to the conventional use of fertilizers such as horse manure (HM) and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). The results obtained revealed distinct effects of different fertilizers on tomato quality. Notably, parameters such as TPRO (total protein), TCARB (total carbohydrate), LIC (lycopene content), TCAR (total carotenoid content), total phenols (TPHE), total flavonoids (TFLA), and aroma profiling exhibited significantly superior values in the group treated with sulfur bentonite (SB) fertilizer. These findings strongly suggest that the novel fertilizer functioned as a biostimulant, enhancing the nutraceutical and sensory attributes of tomatoes, with a pronounced impact on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the aroma profile of the fruits.
... Epidemiological consistence revival of risk reduction potential against non-communicable diseases resting on regular consumption of tomato lycopene also supported its nutraceutical value status (Agarwal and Rao, 2000;Singh and Goyal, 2008;Kelkel et al., 2011;Kumar et al., 2017). Its cutting-edge administration through diet monitoring for diversity lipid profile projected noteworthy rise in HDL cholesterol and sudden drop in total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (Kilany et al., 2020). ...
Background: The red-colored tomatoes are characterised as a mine of lycopene to manufacture food grade ingredient and projected its placement in a specialty class where nutrient with pharmaceutical value justifies dietary status. Tomato lycopene has justified its status as a potential antioxidant compensating with nutraceutical importance and provided an option for endorsing specialty nutrition. The diversity epidemiological experiments recorded noteworthy modulations in lipid profile and projected risk reduction potential of lycopene against non-communicable diseases. The progressive research efforts to monitor haematological parameters to justify efficacy of tomato lycopene against adverse effects on wellbeing of human body is required for precision governance. The present research work aims to assess the potential of lycopene rich tomato puree in monitoring the haematological parameters in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats (Healthy control, high fat diet fed, HFD-Stain treated and HFD-tomato puree treated) were examined for physiological, haematological and blood biochemical parameters on 0, 14 and 28th day of experiment to assess effect of tomato puree administration on wellbeing of rats against healthy, hyperlipidemic and standard drug status. Result: The increased haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count on 14th and 28th day of experiment justifies the erythropoiesis stimulatory effect of tomato puree lycopene. Moreover, increased total leukocyte count in high fat diet-tomato puree fed rats on 14th and 28th day validates the positive effect of tomato puree lycopene to monitor healthiness in Wistar rats. The regulatory mechanism based on haematological specialty features that monitors the risk of physiological disorders and diseases outlined through animal study experimental data provided a logistic option to confirm the efficacy of tomato puree lycopene to protect wellbeing/healthiness of live entity (Wistar rats).
... None of the studies showed adverse effects of high tomato intake or high lycopene levels. [21] The inverse relationship between lycopene intake and cancer risk has been observed in particular for cancers of the prostrate, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and oral leukoplakia's because of its ability to modulate dysplastic changes. [22,23] New evidence has provided other explanations for the anticancer activity of lycopene by the upregulation of connexin and stimulation of gap junctional communication, an action that is independent of its role as an antioxidant. ...
Background
Oral leukoplakia, usually white changes in the oral mucosa, is one of the most common conditions affecting the oral cavity. Oral leukoplakia can occur anywhere in the mouth and is usually asymptomatic. Clinical diagnosis is reliant on visual inspection and manual palpation. It has a global prevalence of 2.6% and a malignant transformation rate of 0.13–34%. In India, OL has a higher prevalence (0.2–5.2%) but a lower a malignant transformation rate (0.13–10%).
Methodology
It was a randomized control trial in which study was conducted on clinically diagnosed 300 oral leukoplakia patients. All patients were randomly categorized in three groups of 100 each. Group-A: Patients were given commercially available curcumin 500 mg. daily orally. Group-B: Patients were given 4 mg of oral lycopene daily. Group-C: Patients were treated with 4 mg of lycopene + 500 mg curcumin daily by oral route. After recording the pre-treatment clinical findings, all the participants were evaluated regularly after 30 days, 60 days and 90 days of active treatment and once in a month for another 3 months of post-treatment follow-up and to evaluate concomitant medication, lesion(s), compliance, and adverse events. The clinical response was evaluated by bi-dimensional measurement of the lesions and color photography. Safety assessment measures: Physical examination and laboratory tests were performed at baseline, and every 30 days for 3 months after randomization.
Result
Number of participants cured after treatment with oral curcumin was 51%. Participants took lycopene tablets showed 63% cure rate and 72% participants cured after treatment with combination curcumin and lycopene.
Conclusion
Results showed that curcumin, lycopene, and a combination of the two are effective in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. When compared, we found that lycopene is a better nutraceutical as compared to curcumin. When both nutraceuticals were given to the participants, they showed better results than single nutraceuticals when the data were analyzed after 90 days of treatment. There is a significant difference in the response of curcumin and combinations of both nutraceuticals, although the difference between lycopene and combinations of curcumin and lycopene is insignificant.
... The micronutrient deficiencies have appeared in recent years due to intensive cropping, loss of top soil by erosion, loss due to leaching, limiting soils and decreased availability and use of organic matter. One of the instant ways of overcoming micronutrient deficiency in crop is foliar application of micronutrients (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). ...
... Tomato being a heavy feeder and exhaustive crop removes substantial amounts of micronutrients from soil. To maintain sustainability in its production and nutritive value, it is becoming essential to apply micronutrients through foliar spray to meet the immediate need of the crop (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). The micronutrients like boron, zinc, copper and iron, if applied through foliar can also improve the vegetative growth and yield of tomato (Arora et al.,1982). ...
... The tomato is composed mainly of water (approximately 90%), soluble and insoluble solids (5-7%), citric and other organic acids and vitamins and minerals (Pedro and Ferreira, 2007). Ripe tomatoes have a high content of the antioxidant lycopene, which plays a possible role in the prevention of certain forms of cancer (Agarwal and Rao, 2000;Radzevičius et al., 2009). ...
... As a potent antioxidant, lycopene prevents free radical oxidation and dysfunction of various cellular components, including DNA, protein, and lipid oxidation [173]. In humans, studies of lycopene have anti-atherogenic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and insulin sensitizing properties [174][175][176]. ...
Introduction:
Cisplatin is a very effective chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of solid tumors. Unfortunately, cisplatin causes permanent sensorineural hearing loss in at least two-thirds of patients treated. There are no FDA approved drugs to prevent this serious side effect.
Areas covered:
This paper reviews various natural products that ameliorate cisplatin ototoxicity. These compounds are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. This review includes mostly preclinical studies but also discusses a few small clinical trials with natural products to minimize hearing loss from cisplatin chemotherapy in patients. The interactions of natural products with cisplatin in tumor-bearing animal models are highlighted. A number of natural products did not interfere with cisplatin anti-tumor efficacy and some agents actually potentiated cisplatin anti-tumor activity.
Expert opinion:
There are a number of natural products or their derivatives that show excellent protection against cisplatin ototoxicity in preclinical studies. There is a need to insure uniform standards for purity of drugs derived from natural sources and to ensure adequate pharmacokinetics and safety of these products. Natural products that protect against cisplatin ototoxicity and augment cisplatin's anti-tumor effects in multiple studies of tumor-bearing animals are most promising for advancement to clinical trials. The most promising natural products include honokiol, sulforaphane, and thymoquinone.
... Tomatoes and food products that contain tomatoes make it easier for the body to absorb a range of carotenoids, including lycopene and other types of carotenoids Khachik et al. 1992). These carotenoids are the major source of hydrocarbons that prevent and cure malignant diseases like prostate cancer, breast cancer (Canene-Adams et al. 2005), lungs cancer (Feskanich et al. 2000) and other diseases like cataracts, heart diseases (Siemensma 1996;Agarwal and Rao 2000;Rao and Rao 2003), diabetics, hyperglycemia (Boss and Agrawal 2007), inflammation, arthritis (Ames et al. 1993), immune system decline, brain dysfunction (Halliwell 1996;Petr and Erdman 2005) and maintenances of body homeostasis (Kennedy et al. 2006). Flavonoids are another diverse group of chemicals in tomatoes with an estimated daily intake of 0.023 to 1 gm/day in the human diet. ...
The significance of diet in connection to human health has raised consumer demand for foods high in nutraceuticals, particularly fruits, and vegetables. The antioxidant phytochemicals vitamins A, C, & E, beta-carotene, carotenes, flavonoids, flavones, total phenolic compounds, etc. are just a few of the many antioxidant phytochemicals that tomatoes are a rich source of DNA, protein, and lipid are all severely harmed by oxidant byproducts of normal metabolism. This damage is a potential contributor to aging as well as degenerative and malignant disorders such as cataracts, immune system decline, cardiovascular disease, and a variety of cancers. Flavonoids, ascorbate, tocopherol, and carotenoids, among others, are antioxidant defenses against these harms. The phenolic chemicals found in tomatoes may also function as antimicrobials, aiding in the management of a wide range of infections. Finally, we want to underline how important it is to establish a connection between the unique breeding of tomato plants and genetic research with the production and overexpression of compounds that are beneficial to human health.
... Dietary intake of tomato products containing lycopene has been shown to decrease the risk of chronic diseases like cancer (breast, colon, prostate), cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal disorders (Agarwal and Rao, 2000;Buculei et al., 2011). As much as the health benefit of tomato consumption is concerned, adulterated tomato pastes pose greater economic losses and possible food toxicity have entered the Nigerian market space. ...
Tomato paste contains antioxidant compounds which act against free radical actions in the body and prevents oxidative damage and boost the physiological health of consumers. However, information on the phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and nutritive qualities of tomato pastes sold in Umuahia Metropolis is scarce. This work was undertaken to fill this gap on five selected commercial tomato pastes sold in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria namely, Sonia (SON), Gento (GEN), Superdelicieux (SUP), Star (STA) and Clappa (CLA). The physicochemical and antioxidant activity parameters were determined by standard methods. The results showed that lycopene (4.20 mg 100g‒1 ), vitamin C (12.76 mg 100g‒1 ) and vitamin A (1.43 mg 100g‒1 ) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in STA tomato paste. β-carotene (3.02 mg 100g‒1 ) and vitamin E (11.14 mg 100g‒1 ) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in CLA tomato paste, while phenol was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SUP tomato paste. The chemical composition revealed that total solid ranged from 28.91 (STA) to 31.67% (SON), reducing sugar ranged from 8.78 (SUP) to 16.16% (CLA), while titratable acidity ranged from 0.21 (SON) to 0.31% (GEN) and pH ranged from 4.27 (CLA) to 4.47 (STA), respectively. Minerals concentration for Ca ranged from 1.79 (CLA) to 2.86 mg 100g‒1 (SON), Mg from 8.57 (SON) to 13.61 mg 100g‒1 (STA), K from 7.81 (SON) to 30.44 mg 100g‒1 (STA), Na from 12.21 (STA) to 15.59 mg 100g‒1 (CLA) and Fe from 0.82 (STA) to 1.89 mg 100g‒1 (SON). Stronger antioxidant activity was observed in SON paste for 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl (DPPH) (62.07%), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (41%) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (47.88%). The results revealed that concentration of nutritive quality was specific to individual tomato paste, but SON possessed stronger antioxidant activity scavenging power than other tomato pastes. From the results of physicochemical and antioxidant activity of these tomato pastes, they may be used to boost physiological performance against degenerative diseases.
... 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 (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). ...
In this paper, we started by providing a fundamental information regarding tuta absoluta– a devastating pest of tomato or a harmful leaf mining moth with a strong preference for tomato plant – in the Mediterranean Basin countries and South America. We further review history of its invasion in Europe and Africa with the potential future spread of the pest in West Africa. The natural enemies in tomato crops in the aforementioned continents were documented with control method within IPM scheme. Key Points: Tomato, Tuta Absoluta, Pest
... Tomatoes are a significant source of carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds, which are known to enhance their nutritional value and functional properties, as well as sensory attributes such as taste, aroma, and texture. The presence of antioxidants in tomatoes, specifically Vitamins C and E, has been reported in previous studies [8,9]. Additionally, tomatoes contain significant quantities of various metabolites, including sucrose, hexoses, citrate, malate, and ascorbic acid [3]. ...
The Current Study Assessed About 14 Tomato Genotypes For 15 Yield-Contributing Features At The Vegetable Farm Of The Department Of Horticulture, Institute Of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, During The Rabi Season Of 2019–2020. With Three Replications, The Experiment Was Set Up Using A Randomized Block Design. The Variance Analysis Of The Tomato Genotypes Revealed That There Were Substantial Differences Among All The Genotypes Considered. All Characteristics Had Very High Heritability Values, According To The Heritability Research. High Genetic Gain Was Also Seen For Traits Including Plant Height, Average Fruit Weight, Fruit Production Per Plant, And Fruit Output Per Hectare. All The Traits Evaluated Showed High Genetic Increase, Apart From Days To 50% Blooming. Apart From Few Characteristics, Such As Days To 50% Blooming And Quantity Of Fruits Per Plant, Which Had Low And Medium Values, Most Of The Characters Showed High PCV And GCV.
... Tomatoes are rich in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, phytoene and luteoxanthin), ascorbic acid, flavonoids and phenolic compounds (Kaur et al, 2013). Along with phenols, higher intake of flavonoids, Vitamin C and carotenoids has been reported to reduce the risk of many degenerative diseases (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). ...
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) is a rich source of carotenoids, especially lycopene, and is affected severely by high temperatures under tropical conditions. To study the effect of elevated temperature on lycopene content and other quality parameters, five tomato genotypes, viz., RF4A, Abhinava, Arka Saurabh, IIHR 2195 and Arka Vikas, were grown in a temperature gradient tunnel (TGT) facility under 33.4 and 35.4°C temperature conditions. Fruits were analyzed for total carotenoids, total phenols, total flavonoids, total sugars, TSS, acidity, Vitamin C besides carotenoids profile (β-carotene, lycopene, phytoene and luteoxanthin content). Results revealed that all the quality parameters studied were superior at 33.4°C, compared to 35.4°C in all the genotypes. 'IIHR 2195' recorded highest total phenols (479.28mg/100g dw), total flavonoids (70.27mg/100g dw), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) (310.53mg/100g dw), diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical (487.89mg/100g dw), Vitamin C content (292.25mg/ 100g dw) and total sugars (606.88mg/g dw) at 33.4°C and at 35.4°C. 'RF4A' and 'Arka Vikas' were found to have better total carotenoids content and lycopene at higher temperature than other genotypes. 'Arka Vikas' recorded highest total soluble solids (TSS) (8.9°Brix) and acidity (0.80%) at 35.4°C. Higher TSS and acidity were recorded at 35.4°C than at 33.4°C in all the five genotypes. Genotypic variation was observed in the above stated biochemical parameters in response to elevated temperatures.
... Due to the fruit's excellent nutritional value, tomatoes are known as "Poor man's orange" [4]. Lycopene, an antioxidant that may help to prevent some cancers, is found in high concentrations in ripe tomatoes [5]. Tomatoes function as a mild renal stimulant and helps in the removal of toxins and other impurities from the body. ...
Fifteen genotypes of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with 18 yield contributing traits, were studied for correlations and path coefficients. The experiment has been done at Vegetable Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, during Rabi season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid under Randomized Block Design with three replications. Using genotypic correlation, it has been found that the fruit yield per plant significantly positively correlates with lycopene, titrable acidity, pericarp thickness, fruits per plant, ascorbic acid and days to 50% flowering. This indicates that the selection of these qualities will impact the number of fruits produced by each plant. Yield per plant was showed the significant positive direct effects with ascorbic acid, pericarp thickness, firmness, fruit yield per plant, TSS, locules per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, lycopene content, seed test weight and days to 50% flowering at the genotypic path coefficient level that indicated the selection for these traits might be effective and there is a possibility of improving yield per plant through selection based on these characters. The investigation contains the necessary information to support the objectives, as shown by the residual influence at the genotypic (0.198) and phenotypic (0.206) routes.
... Most importantly, tomatoes are rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene (Beecher, 1998). Lycopene and other flavonoids in tomato serve as good source of antioxidants (Agarwal and Rao, 2000). Tomato occupies 5.05 million hectares with a productivity of 37 t/ha in the world. ...
India is the second largest producer of tomato with 11 per cent global share and cultivated on an estimated area of 0.76 million hectares with productivity of 24 tonnes per hectare. Less than 1% of the produce is processed when compared to 26% in other major producing countries. Of the estimated more than 41 million tonnes of tomato processed globally, only 130,000 tonnes were processed in India and domestic demand for processed tomato products is expanding at an estimated 30% annually. At present traditional fresh market tomato cultivars are being processed though such cultivars are unsuitable for processing. Processors in India are looking for high yielding tomato cultivars with high total soluble solids (5-6 º Brix), acidity not less than 0.4%, pH less than 4.5 and uniform red colour with a/b colour value of at least 2. In addition, firm fruited tomato cultivars with joint less pedicel (j2) which facilitate mechanical harvesting or rapid hand picking. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research has recently developed two high yielding F1 hybrids in tomato viz: Arka Apeksha and Arka Vishesh suitable for processing. On evaluation for three years, both the hybrids recorded good level of total soluble solids (4.5-5º Brix) and colour value of 2. Further, both the hybrids had high yield potential (80-90 tonnes / hectare) with triple disease resistance to tomato leaf curl disease, bacterial wilt and early blight. Arka Apeksha and Arka Vishesh were also bred with jointless pedicel making them suitable for mechanical harvesting. Our experimental studies on vine storability revealed that all the fruits were intact on plants even 110 days after transplanting in the main field facilitating once over harvest.
... Осындай қосылыстардың бірі-ликопин, антикарциногендік, антиоксиданттық және қабынуға қарсы қасиеттері бар күшті антиоксидант. Алайда, ликопинлипофильді қосылыс, оны сусындар, сорпалар немесе тұздықтар сияқты суда еритін тағамдарға қосуды қиындатады [1][2][3][4][5]. ...
The development of an effective technology for obtaining lycopene-containing dry powder from pomace of zoned tomato varieties, for the purpose of enriching food products, has novelty and significance for the country, since lycopene is not produced in Kazakhstan. This technology has the potential to have a beneficial effect on people's health, labor productivity and the development of the state's economy. As a result of the study, the quantitative yield of tomato powder from tomato pomace was determined, drying modes were compiled, including temperature and drying time. The obtained samples of lycopene-containing tomato powder were analyzed for nutritional value, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, micro- and macroelements. At the same time, special attention was paid to the content of lycopene, a strong antioxidant present in tomatoes. The aim of the study was to develop a technology for obtaining lycopene-containing dry powder from the pomace of zoned tomato varieties for food purposes with a natural health effect and to study its qualitative indicators. During the work, the yield of dry lycopenecontaining tomato powder from tomato pomace was determined in the samples, which was at the level of: 6.0-6.1 ± 1.0%. The drying modes (drying temperature, drying time) of tomato pomace have been worked out. In the resulting tomato powder, nutritional values were determined: proteins – 15.83 g / 100g, fats – 9.3 g / 100g, carbohydrates – 51.89 g /100g. The study showed that tomato powder contains a significant amount of lycopene, along with other important vitamins and trace elements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B2 and beta-carotene. It is also noted that toxic substances in tomato powder do not exceed the permissible norm, which confirms its ecological purity. Based on the results obtained, an optimal technology for obtaining lycopene-containing dry powder from tomato pomace, suitable for enriching food products with a natural health effect, has been developed.
... Enriched with lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to have protective effects against prostate, lung, and stomach cancer. [34] 4. Carrot (Daucus carota) Rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has been shown to have protective effects against several types of cancer. [35] ...
Cancer is a disease of swelling which may be of inflammatory or noninflammatory in origin and is an outcome of modern civilized and a tie vicious circle or irregularities in life affecting activities headed by modern medicine system, but a confirmatory treatment is yet awaited. In Ayurveda disease cancer has more resemblance to Arbuda. Sushruta mentioned 6 types of Arbuda among Mamsa and Rakta Arbuda are malignant and is difficult to manage these as per their pathogenesis. In tumours with malignancy features Tridosha gets co-ordinated and create a state of
instability between them which leads to damage of tissues and further causing some serious conditions. Treatment of cancer not only increases the financial burden for an individual, it also causes potential side effects which in a term set a vicious cycle for medical dependency; hence, there is an emerging need to hunt an efficient, reliable, safe, and economical option for the same. The article aims to assess current available Cancer management options in Ayurveda manage and classify them under roof of Chaturavidh Nigrah Hetav. Studies reviewed from including data on electronic database, Pub Med, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, Ayurvedic literature and manually collected from various resources. Ayurveda has a holistic approach to managing any disorder, instead of using targeted therapies to destroy the tumours.
Results of studies showed that adopting principles of Ayurveda improves the patient's well-being, as an additional therapy or mainline treatment protocol along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which improves the life span and enhance the quality of life an individual is leading.
Background: Lepidium sativum is a by-product remaining after the oil is extracted from Garden cress seeds. This herb is considered one of the popular medicinal herbs used in Arabian countries and has traditionally been used to control many clinical problems. The present study aims to uncover these seeds' free radical-scavenging properties and their Role in improving the testicular tissues and seminal properties. Material and Methods: Thirty-two sexually mature mice were used, and the treated groups were divided into three groups; the first one (G1) was treated with 0.1 ml of GC seed extraction in a dose of 5mg/kg BW, the second one(G2) was treated with 0.1 ml sodium nitrate as oxidant, and the last treated group (G3) was treated with 0.1 ml of GC seed extraction after one hour of injection of 0.1 ml sodium nitrate. Results: The results showed improvement of the testicular tissue and a significant elevation in sperm viability, in addition to significant enhancements of RBC count and Hb concentration. By its Role as a free radical scavenger, sodium nitrate removed the negative effect on blood parameter values.
The article presents the main results of the research work of scientists of the DBESVVG – branch of NCFSCHVW, carried out in accordance with the State Task for 2023 and the Research Plan for 2022-2026 on the basis of the PFSR of the state Academies of Sciences for 2021-2030. The research results reflect the main directions of the research station: genetic resources, breeding and variety studies of grapes, vegetable and subtropical fruit crops; development of a methodology for the creation and operation of intensive own-root plantations of grapes in the phylloxera infestation zone; obtaining environmentally safe products of grapes, vegetables and subtropical fruit crops. The main objectives of the research work are the creation of new genotypes of grapes, subtropical fruit and vegetable crops based on the mobilization of the potential of wild species, native and high-value introduced varieties with high productivity, product quality and resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors; improvement of the methodological base to accelerate the breeding process of grapes; identification of mechanisms for the realization of the genetic potential of indigenous and promising introduced grape varieties against the background of phylloxera infection, mechanisms for the formation of genetic and functional tolerance to the pest and scientific (biological) foundations for the creation of intensive own root plantations of grapes; identification of patterns of accumulation of dry matter and BAS in raw materials obtained from young broccoli plants and secondary products of grape and tomato processing depending on from varietal characteristics, stages of development, harvest period, processing methods; development of scientific and applied bases for obtaining environmentally safe raw materials for the production of functional food products and dietary supplements intended for the prevention of cardiovascular and oncological diseases. The research results expanded the base of genetic sources and methodological approaches for the creation of adaptive grape varieties in the changing climatic conditions of southern Russia, allowed to expand methodological approaches to the creation of root-related grape plantations and management of resistance to stressors, confirmed the fundamental possibility and effectiveness of hormonal management of the development of grape plants from the first year of life, as well as the quality of raw grapes, tomatoes and broccoli to create environmentally safe functional food products and dietary supplements, focused on the prevention of socially significant diseases.
Carotenoids are a class of organic pigments that are widely distributed in nature and are responsible for the bright colours of many fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are found in many plant-based foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and tomatoes. Some of the most well-known carotenoids include beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the eyes and have been shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Lycopene is found in high concentrations in tomatoes and has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Recent research has focused on the potential therapeutic applications of carotenoids for the treatment of various diseases. For example, astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in salmon and other seafood, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may be useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Similarly, lycopene has been investigated for its potential to prevent or treat certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and breast cancer. In addition to their potential health benefits, carotenoids are also being studied for their role in the prevention of cognitive decline and ageing-related diseases. Ongoing research is exploring their potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of various conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. On completion of the chapter you shall be able to explain: (1) the sources and classification of carotenoids, (2) the bioactive compounds used to in various treatments and (3) novel discoveries related to carotenoids.
Seasonal factors such as temperature, solar UV-light intensity, and daylight length can induce changes in the water quality properties and, hence, the nutritional compositions of plants. This comparative study was carried out for the consecutive four (4) seasons (winter, spring, summer, and autumn) to determine the influence of seasonal variations on the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TPC) of the red chili fruit (RCF), red tomato fruit (RTF), green leafy spinach (GLS), and green leafy lettuce (GLL) collected from a coupled commercial aquaponics system. The IC50, TAC, TPC, and TFC concentration levels indicated a significant (P
The growth of plants is intricately influenced by interconnected biochemical and physiological activities throughout different phases, in response to environmental conditions. This study exploresthe impact of greenhouse climate on the growth, yield, and biochemistry of winter-grown cherry tomatoes (Cheramy F1). Climatic conditions ranged from a minimum of 10.5°C to the highest of 41.3°C (average 21.22°C) temperature during the vegetative stage and from 8.2°C to 32.3°C (average 20.89 °C) during the fruit-bearing stage, with an average CO2 concentration fluctuated within the range of 385.61 ppm to 510.30 ppm and an average light intensity of 94.62 to 240.45 W/m². W/m². This study assessed various growth parameters, such as plant Height, leaf growth, stem diameter, leaf spacing, leaf count, leaf area, and inflorescence count per plant. The key results of this study revealed the Progressive Growth Report (PGR), predicting daily potential growth. Rates: plant height (2.86 to 3.81 cm/day), mature old leaf growth (0.003988 m2/day), middle younger leaf growth (0.008733 m2/day), top nascent leaf growth (0.010722 m2/day), three to five leaves per week and one inflorescence per week. Additionally, accidental observations were noted. unusual plant growth and yield responses due to varied plant postures in the greenhouse. A non-significant interaction was found between fruit keeping quality (Shelf days), fruit height, fruit diameter, and inflorescence number. The results of this study offer valuable insights for optimizing greenhouse operations, aiming to improve cherry tomato yields and quality while fostering environmental sustainability. An analysis of variance was used to statistically analyze the presented results at a confidence level of p < 0.05.
In the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, artificial colorant is one of the most vital and frequently used additives due to its easy availability, low cost, and higher stability. However, the main adverse effect of using artificial colorants is its health hazard. For this reason, the food industry is seeking some healthy alternatives. The recent trend of using natural colorants is growing day by day. One of the most prominent components of the plant kingdom currently used in a variety of industries, including the food preservation industry, the cosmetics industry, and the sports sector is called natural colorant. The main objective of this review study is to explore the numerous applications of natural colorants with their proper classification. The usage of natural colorants for the intensification of functional properties of food, for food preservation, and the generation of innovative sports supplements were discussed in the entire manuscript. After the collection of relevant research regarding the topic, it was seen that betalain, anthocyanin, curcumin, and carotenoids are the most frequently discussed natural colorants, mainly used as a preservative and contains enormous health benefits (e.g. anthocyanin is responsible for the maintenance of healthy vision, normal blood glucose level, relaxation of vascular endothelial cells and also contains antioxidant properties). It is used in the food industry to enrich the color as well as nutritional quality of the food product. The uses of natural colors for the development of sports supplements are still limited and need further research in this particular area.
Lycopene; a non-provitamin A carotenoid is responsible for the red to pink colours seen in tomatoes, pink
grapefruit, and other foods of fruit and vegetable origin. Processed tomato products are the primary source of
dietary lycopene. Lycopene has unique structural and chemical features that may contribute to specific biological
properties. Unlike many other natural compounds; lycopene is generally stable to processing when the lycopene
content in tomato pastes ranged from 50.97±1.08 mg/kg in vital tomato paste to 68.12±1.44 mg/kg in Gino tomato
paste. In the fruits, lycopene content ranged from 0.47±0.04 mg/kg in grape fruits (white) to 32.15±0.70 mg/kg in
watermelon. Among the yellowish-red vegetables, lycopene content ranged from 14.88±0.70 mg/kg in red bell
pepper to 45.49±0.98 mg/kg in ripe tomato fruit. In green leafy vegetables, lycopene ranged from 4.96±0.13
mg/kg in waterleaf to 11.79±0.28 mg/kg in bitter leaf. This study has shown that tomato paste is very rich in
lycopene followed by fresh ripe tomato fruit, watermelon and fresh chilli pepper. Bitter leaf and Pumpkin leaf
were observed to have the highest lycopene content amongst the green leafy vegetables. Tomato paste, fresh
tomato watermelon and pumpkin should be regularly included in the diet for adequate supply of lycopene n
present in the plant tissue matrix. Dietary intake of lycopene is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer
(PCa). We conducted a clinical trial in men with prostate cancer to investigate the biological and clinical effects of
lycopene supplementation. Twenty-six men with prostate cancer were randomly assigned to receive a lycopene
supplement or no supplement for three weeks before radical prostatectomy.
In this chapter, we discuss the role of dietary habits and nutrition on lung cancer. Lung cancer has been found to be prevented by diets rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, soy, and foods containing vitamins A, B, D, E, C, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. They can also aid in the treatment of the disease using chemotherapeutic drugs.
Bioactive compounds found in various natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, have been studied for their potential benefits in managing obesity and diabetes. These compounds include polyphenols, flavonoids, other antioxidants, fiber, and certain fatty acids. Studies have found that these compounds may improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. However, the effects of these compounds can vary depending on the type and amount consumed, as well as individual factors, such as genetics and lifestyle. Nutraceutical substances have multifaceted therapeutic advantages, and they have been reported to have disease-prevention and health-promoting properties. Several clinically used nutraceuticals have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and their complications and modulate various clinical outcomes favorably. This review aims to highlight and comment on some of the most prominent natural components used as antidiabetics and in managing obesity.
This book covers key areas of pharmaceutical research. The contributions by the
authors include anti-inflammatory activity, flavonoid, toxicity, herbal medicinal
products, hyperlipidemic effects, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress,
environmental pollution, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters,
health hazards, Ibuprofen's ability, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol,
atherogenesis, hypolipidemic efficacy, cerebral malaria, rheumatoid arthritis,
antioxidant defense, ayurvedic medicine, cardiovascular diseases, therapeutic
effectiveness, agrochemical products, drug traceability, pharmaceutical
serialization, geopolitics, chromatographic separation, inflammation, Cholesterol
biosynthesis, plasma cholesterol, physical fitness, tumour cells, malignancies,
Diabetes mellitus, protein metabolism, retinopathy. This book contains various
materials suitable for students, researchers and academicians in the field of
pharmaceutical research.
Observational and experimental studies suggest that the amount of vitamin E ingested in food and in supplements is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
We enrolled a total of 2545 women and 6996 men 55 years of age or older who were at high risk for cardiovascular events because they had cardiovascular disease or diabetes in addition to one other risk factor. These patients were randomly assigned according to a two-by-two factorial design to receive either 400 IU of vitamin E daily from natural sources or matching placebo and either an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) or matching placebo for a mean of 4.5 years (the results of the comparison of ramipril and placebo are reported in a companion article). The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes. The secondary outcomes included unstable angina, congestive heart failure, revascularization or amputation, death from any cause, complications of diabetes, and cancer.
A total of 772 of the 4761 patients assigned to vitamin E (16.2 percent) and 739 of the 4780 assigned to placebo (15.5 percent) had a primary outcome event (relative risk, 1.05; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.95 to 1.16; P=0.33). There were no significant differences in the numbers of deaths from cardiovascular causes (342 of those assigned to vitamin E vs. 328 of those assigned to placebo; relative risk, 1.05; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.22), myocardial infarction (532 vs. 524; relative risk, 1.02; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.15), or stroke (209 vs. 180; relative risk, 1.17; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.95 to 1.42). There were also no significant differences in the incidence of secondary cardiovascular outcomes or in death from any cause. There were no significant adverse effects of vitamin E.
In patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, treatment with vitamin E for a mean of 4.5 years had no apparent effect on cardiovascular outcomes.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Cholesterollowering drugs and dietary and behavioral modifications have been the traditional choice of treatment for the disease. Recently, there has been an increased advocacy for the use of antioxidants to retard the progression of the disease. In this review, the role of oxidants in the promotion of cardiovascular disease and the means by which antioxidants may prevent the disease are outlined. Specifically, multiple pathways by which antioxidants may retard the progression of cardiovascular disease are described.
Tomatoes are an integral part of diet world wide. Many population studies have established link between dietary intake of tomatoes, a major source of a carotenoid antioxidant lycopene and reduced risk of chronic diseases. This study evaluates the lycopene contents of various commonly consumed tomato products and estimates its daily intake levels. A fast and simple spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of lycopene was developed and validated against HPLC method. Lycopene content in various tomato products ranged from 42 ppm to 365 ppm. Average daily dietary lycopene intake levels were assessed by administering food frequency questionnaire and were estimated to be 25.2 mg day−1. Fresh tomatoes accounted for 50% of total lycopene intake.
Recent studies have suggested a protective role for lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid, in the prevention of chronic diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease. Tomatoes and tomato products are the major dietary source of lycopene. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability, tissue distribution, and the in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene and its role in colon carcinogenesis. Male Fischer 344 rats were used in this study. Lycopene in the form of 6% oleoresin was incorporated into an AIN93M diet at a concentration of 10 ppm lycopene. Azoxymethane (AOM) was used as the colon specific chemical carcinogen. Serum and tissue lycopene levels were measured as estimates of lycopene uptake and tissue distribution. Serum TBARS and thiols were measured as indicators of lipid and protein oxidation. Incidence and size of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were measured as preneoplastic markers. Dietary lycopene was absorbed and distributed to various tissues. An increase in serum thiols and a decrease in serum TBARS was observed in rats fed the lycopene diet. Incidence of ACF in lycopene fed rats showed a trend towards reduced numbers and size. Effects were more pronounced when lycopene was fed during the promotion stage than during the initiation stage. Based on these results it is concluded that dietary lycopene is absorbed by rats and distributed to various tissues. It acts as an antioxidant in reducing oxidation and thereby may protect against AOM induced ACF incidence. Dietary lycopene may play an important role in protecting against oxidative stress and colon carcinogenesis.
Since cis or trans isomers of carotenoids may have different biological reactivities, the isomeric composition of lycopene and β-carotene was measured in serum and seven human tissues. In addition to all-trans lycopene, at least three cis-isomers (9-, 13-, and 15-cis) were present, accounting for more than 50% of total lycopene. 13-and 15-cis-β-carotene, however, were present at only 5% of the all-trans isomer. In addition, 9-cis-β-carotene was present in tissue samples but not in serum. There were interindividual differences in carotenoid levels of the different tissue types, but liver, adrenal gland, and testes always contained significantly higher amounts of the carotenoids than kidney, ovary, and fat; carotenoids in brain stem tissue were below the detection limit. β-Carotene was the major carotenoid in liver, adrenal gland, kidney, ovary, and fat, whereas lycopene was the predominant carotenoid in testes.
Lycopene is a naturally present carotenoid in tomatoes. Among the carotenoids, lycopene is a major component found in the serum. High levels of lycopene have also been found in the testes, adrenal glands, prostate. Several recent studies including cell culture, animal and epidemiological investigations have indicated the effect of dietary lycopene in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. Although, the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial properties, evidence is accumulating to suggest other mechanisms such as intercellular gap junction communication, hormonal and immune system modulation and metabolic pathways may also be involved. This review summarizes the background information about lycopene and presents the most current knowledge with respect to its role in human health.
Lycopene, a naturally present carotenoid in tomatoes and other fruits, has been proposed to have antioxidant and potential anticarcinogenic properties in recent studies. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of diet and smoking on serum lycopene and lipid peroxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in 20 healthy human subjects. A reduction of 50% in the serum lycopene levels and an increase of 25% in TBARS was observed when subjects were maintained on a lycopene-free diet. Serum lycopene levels were also reduced by 25% following a meal compared to the fasting levels. Serum lycopene levels of habitual smokers were compared with non-smokers. Although the levels were not significantly different between the two groups, serum lycopene levels fell by 40% with a 40% increase in TBARS in smokers following smoking three cigarette. This study showed that the levels of serum lycopene were influenced significantly as a result of oxidative stress in the form of diet induced metabolism and smoking, suggesting in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene.
We have previously demonstrated that diverse carotenoids inhibit chemically induced neoplastic transformation in 10T1/2 cells. To address their mechanism of action, the effects of six diverse carotenoids, with or without provitamin A activity, on gap junctional communication and lipid peroxidation have been investigated. beta-Carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and alpha-carotene increased gap junctional intercellular communication in a dose-dependent manner in the above order of potency, whereas m-bixin was inactive at concentrations up to 10(-5) M. alpha-Tocopherol, a potent chain-breaking antioxidant, caused a marginal enhancement of junctional communication. The enhancement of junctional communication by diverse carotenoids showed a strong statistical correlation with their previously determined ability to inhibit methylcholanthrene-induced neoplastic transformation (r = -0.75). All carotenoids tested inhibited lipid peroxidation, but with differing potencies. alpha-Tocopherol was the most active inhibitor followed by m-bixin. The capacity of carotenoids or alpha-tocopherol to inhibit lipid peroxidation was neither consistent with their ability to inhibit neoplastic transformation (r = 0.30) nor to increase junctional communication (r = 0.12). Since junctional communication appears to play an important role in cell growth control and carcinogenesis, we propose that in this system carotenoid-enhanced intercellular communication provides a mechanistic basis for the cancer chemopreventive action of carotenoids. These data also imply that carotenoids function in a manner analogous to retinoids in the 10T1/2 assay system. Interestingly this activity appears independent of their provitamin A status.
Lycopene, a biologically occurring carotenoid, exhibits the highest physical quenching rate constant with singlet oxygen (kq = 31 X 10(9) M-1 s-1), and its plasma level is slightly higher than that of beta-carotene (kq = 14 X 10(9) M-1 s-1). This is of considerable general interest, since nutritional carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, and other antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol (kq = 0.3 X 10(9) M-1 s-1) have been implicated in the defense against prooxidant states; epidemiological evidence reveals that such compounds exert a protective action against certain types of cancer. Also, albumin-bound bilirubin is a known singlet oxygen quencher (kq = 3.2 X 10(9) M-1 s-1). Interestingly, those compounds with low kq values occur at higher plasma levels. When these differences are taken into account, the singlet oxygen quenching capacities of lycopene (0.7 microM in plasma), beta-carotene (0.5 microM in plasma), albumin-bound bilirubin (15 microM in plasma), and alpha-tocopherol (22 microM in plasma) are of comparable magnitude.
Several human studies have observed a direct association between retinol (vitamin A) intake and risk of prostate cancer; other studies have found either an inverse association or no association of intake of beta-carotene (the major provitamin A) with risk of prostate cancer. Data regarding carotenoids other than beta-carotene in relation to prostate cancer risk are sparse.
We concluded a prospective cohort study to examine the relationship between the intake of various carotenoids, retinol, fruits, and vegetables and the risk of prostate cancer.
Using responses to a validated, semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire mailed to participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study in 1986, we assessed dietary intake for a 1-year period for a cohort of 47,894 eligible subjects initially free of diagnosed cancer. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to the entire cohort in 1988, 1990, and 1992. We calculated the relative risk (RR) for each of the upper categories of intake of a specific food or nutrient by dividing the incidence rate of prostate cancer among men in each of these categories by the rate among men in the lowest intake level. All P values resulted from two-sided tests.
Between 1986 and 1992, 812 new cases of prostate cancer, including 773 non-stage A1 cases, were documented. Intakes of the carotenoids beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin were not associated with risk of non-stage A1 prostate cancer; only lycopene intake was related to lower risk (age- and energy-adjusted RR = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.99 for high versus low quintile of intake; P for trend = .04). Of 46 vegetables and fruits or related products, four were significantly associated with lower prostate cancer risk; of the four--tomato sauce (P for trend = .001), tomatoes (P for trend = .03), and pizza (P for trend = .05), but not strawberries--were primary sources of lycopene. Combined intake of tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, and pizza (which accounted for 82% of lycopene intake) was inversely associated with risk of prostate cancer (multivariate RR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.44-0.95, for consumption frequency greater than 10 versus less than 1.5 servings per week; P for trend = .01) and advanced (stages C and D) prostate cancers (multivariate RR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.22-1.00; P for trend = .03). No consistent association was observed for dietary retinol and risk of prostate cancer.
These findings suggest that intake of lycopene or other compounds in tomatoes may reduce prostate cancer risk, but other measured carotenoids are unrelated to risk.
Our findings support recommendations to increase vegetable and fruit consumption to reduce cancer incidence but suggest that tomato-based foods may be especially beneficial regarding prostate cancer risk.
To explore the association of supplementary and dietary vitamin E and C intake with the progression of coronary artery disease.
A subgroup analysis of the on-trial antioxidant vitamin intake database acquired in the Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, serial angiographic clinical trial evaluating the risk and benefit of colestipol-niacin on coronary artery disease progression.
Community- and university-based cardiac catheterization laboratories.
A total of 156 men aged 40 to 59 years with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Supplementary and dietary vitamin E and C intake (nonrandomized) in association with cholesterol-lowering diet and either colestipol-niacin or placebo (randomized).
Change per subject in the percentage of vessel diameter obstructed because of stenosis (%S) determined by quantitative coronary angiography after 2 years of randomized therapy on all lesions, mild/moderate lesions (< 50%S), and severe lesions (> or = 50%S).
Overall, subjects with supplementary vitamin E intake of 100 IU per day or greater demonstrated less coronary artery lesion progression than did subjects with supplementary vitamin E intake less than 100 IU per day for all lesions (P = .04) and for mild/moderate lesions (P = .01). Within the drug group, benefit of supplementary vitamin E intake was found for all lesions (P = .02) and mild/moderate lesions (P = .01). Within the placebo group, benefit of supplementary vitamin E intake was not found. No benefit was found for use of supplementary vitamin C exclusively or in conjunction with supplementary vitamin E, use of multivitamins, or increased dietary intake of vitamin E or vitamin C.
These results indicate an association between supplementary vitamin E intake and angiographically demonstrated reduction in coronary artery lesion progression. Verification from carefully designed, randomized, serial arterial imaging end point trials is needed.
Epidemiological evidence indicates that avoidance of smoking, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and control of infections will have a major effect on reducing rates of cancer. Other factors include avoidance of intense sun exposure, increases in physical activity, and reduction of alcohol consumption and possibly red meat. A substantial reduction in breast cancer is likely to require modification of sex hormone levels, and development of practical methods for doing so is a high research priority. Resolution of the potential protective roles of specific antioxidants and other constituents of fruits and vegetables deserves major attention. Mechanistic studies of carcinogenesis indicate an important role of endogenous oxidative damage to DNA that is balanced by elaborate defense and repair processes. Also key is the rate of cell division, which is influenced by hormones, growth, cytotoxicity, and inflammation, as this determines the probability of converting DNA lesions to mutations. These mechanisms may underlie many epidemiologic observations.
In view of the persisting uncertainty concerning possible mechanisms by which high vegetable and fruit intake decreases cancer risk, foods with divergent values for potentially important micronutrients are a priority for investigation. Tomatoes are low in beta-carotene, but high in lycopene, an active antioxidative agent. In order to assess the effect of tomatoes on risk of cancers of the digestive tract, data were analyzed from an integrated series of case-control studies conducted between 1985 and 1991 in northern Italy, where tomato intake is high but, also, heterogeneous. The overall dataset included the following histologically confirmed cancer cases: oral cavity and pharynx, 314; esophagus, 85; stomach, 723; colon, 955; and rectum, 629; and a total of 2,879 controls admitted to hospital for acute non-neoplastic or non-digestive conditions, unrelated to long-term dietary modifications. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for subsequent quartiles of intake of raw tomatoes were derived, after allowance for age, sex, study center, education, smoking and drinking level, and tertile of total caloric intake. There was a consistent pattern of protection for all sites (OR in the upper quartile ranging between 0.4 and 0.7), most notably for gastrointestinal neoplasms. All trends in risk were highly significant. The beneficial effect of raw tomatoes in this population may be partly due to the fact that they constitute perhaps the most specific feature of the Mediterranean diet. However, if it is true that tomatoes protect against digestive-tract cancers, this is of interest from both a scientific and a public health viewpoint.
The oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins increases their incorporation into the arterial intima, an essential step in atherogenesis. Although dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin C, carotene, and vitamin E, have been hypothesized to prevent coronary heart disease, prospective epidemiologic data are sparse.
In 1986, 39,910 U.S. male health professionals 40 to 75 years of age who were free of diagnosed coronary heart disease, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia completed detailed dietary questionnaires that assessed their usual intake of vitamin C, carotene, and vitamin E in addition to other nutrients. During four years of follow-up, we documented 667 cases of coronary disease.
After controlling for age and several coronary risk factors, we observed a lower risk of coronary disease among men with higher intakes of vitamin E (P for trend = 0.003). For men consuming more than 60 IU per day of vitamin E, the multivariate relative risk was 0.64 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.49 to 0.83) as compared with those consuming less than 7.5 IU per day. As compared with men who did not take vitamin E supplements, men who took at least 100 IU per day for at least two years had a multivariate relative risk of coronary disease of 0.63 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.47 to 0.84). Carotene intake was not associated with a lower risk of coronary disease among those who had never smoked, but it was inversely associated with the risk among current smokers (relative risk, 0.30; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.11 to 0.82) and former smokers (relative risk, 0.60; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.94). In contrast, a high intake of vitamin C was not associated with a lower risk of coronary disease.
These data do not prove a causal relation, but they provide evidence of an association between a high intake of vitamin E and a lower risk of coronary heart disease in men. Public policy recommendations with regard to the use of vitamin E supplements should await the results of additional studies.
Recent evidence suggests that oxidative damage may be involved in atherogenesis, and thus dietary antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the association between consumption of carotene-containing fruits and vegetables and CVD mortality among 1299 elderly Massachusetts residents who provided dietary information as a part of the Massachusetts Health Care Panel Study. During a mean follow-up of 4.75 years, there were 161 deaths attributable to CVD, 48 of which were due to myocardial infarction. For total CVD death and fatal myocardial infarction, risks were lower among those residents in the highest quartile for consumption of carotene-containing fruits and vegetables as compared with those in the lowest. For death due to CVD, the relative risk (RR) was 0.54 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34 to 0.86; P for trend across quartiles, 0.004). For myocardial infarction the RR was 0.25 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.67; P for trend, 0.002). These observational data are compatible with the hypothesis that increased dietary intake of carotenoids decreases the risks of CVD mortality; however, confounding cannot be ruled out. This hypothesis requires rigorous evaluation in randomized trials of sufficient size to detect reliably whether carotenoids confer small-to-moderate but clinically important protection against CVD.
Microcystin-LR is a liver tumor promoter in the okadaic acid class, a group of potent inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. Because of inhibition of protein phosphatases, microcystin-LR induces hyperphosphorylation of cellular proteins, including cytoskeletal proteins--cytokeratins 8 and 18--and causes morphological changes in mouse hepatocytes in primary culture. We studied the effects of carotenoids to antagonize microcystin-LR-induced morphological changes in hepatocytes. beta-carotene (100 nM to 100 microns) suppressed the morphological changes induced by 100 nM microcystin-LR in a dose-dependent manner. Other carotenoids tested exerted similar suppressive effects, although retinoids, such as all-trans retinol, all-trans retinoic acid, and 9-cis retinoic acid, were only weakly suppressive. The relative potency of the suppression correlated significantly with the number of conjugated double bonds in the trans configuration. beta-carotene strongly suppressed the hyperphosphorylation of cellular proteins induced by microcystin-LR without significant changes in the basal phosphorylation level. Other antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol, did not protect the cells against microcystin-LR. Taken together, the antagonistic effects of carotenoids against microcystin-LR are difficult to explain by their antioxidant or provitamin A activities. Suppression of the hyperphosphorylation of cellular proteins may be a novel mechanism by which carotenoids inhibit tumor promotion.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relative antioxidant activities of a range of carotenes and xanthophylls through the extent of their abilities to scavenge the ABTS(.+) radical cation. The results show that the relative abilities of the carotenoids to scavenge the ABTS(.+) radical cation are influenced by the presence of functional groups with increasing polarities, such as carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, in the terminal rings, as well as by the number of conjugated double bonds.
We previously reported that lycopene, one of the carotenoids, significantly suppressed the development of spontaneous mammary tumors of mice and the contribution of lycopene to the maintenance of physical homeostasis was suggested. In this study, we investigated the effects of lycopene on the intrathymic and peripheral T cell subpopulation as immunoregulatory parameters. In tumorous control mice, inactivation of intrathymic T cell differentiation, an increase of the percentage of CD4+ CD8+ cells and a decrease of CD4+CD8+ cells were observed. On the other hand, in the lycopene-treated mice, the abnormal intrathymic T cell differentiation was recovered and brought to non-tumorous levels. The peripheral CD4/CD8 ratio was partially augmented by lycopene treatment which resulted from an increased CD4+ subpopulation. These observations suggest that one of the immunomodulating roles of lycopene is to normalize the change of intrathymic T cell differentiation caused by tumorigenesis.
In this review of the scientific literature on the relationship between vegetable and fruit consumption and risk of cancer, results from 206 human epidemiologic studies and 22 animal studies are summarized. The evidence for a protective effect of greater vegetable and fruit consumption is consistent for cancers of the stomach, esophagus, lung, oral cavity and pharynx, endometrium, pancreas, and colon. The types of vegetables or fruit that most often appear to be protective against cancer are raw vegetables, followed by allium vegetables, carrots, green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and tomatoes. Substances present in vegetables and fruit that may help protect against cancer, and their mechanisms, are also briefly reviewed; these include dithiolthiones, isothiocyanates, indole-3-carbinol, allium compounds, isoflavones, protease inhibitors, saponins, phytosterols, inositol hexaphosphate, vitamin C, D-limonene, lutein, folic acid, beta carotene, lycopene, selenium, vitamin E, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. Current US vegetable and fruit intake, which averages about 3.4 servings per day, is discussed, as are possible noncancer-related effects of increased vegetable and fruit consumption, including benefits against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, diverticulosis, and cataracts. Suggestions for dietitians to use in counseling persons toward increasing vegetable and fruit intake are presented.
Lycopene is a carotenoid present in human blood (approximately 0.5 micromol/liter plasma), and the tissue levels vary from 1 nmol/g wet wt in adipose tissue to up to 20 nmol/g wet wt in adrenals and testes. Its biological activities include antioxidant activity (singlet oxygen quenching and peroxyl radical scavenging), induction of cell-cell communication, and growth control, but no provitamin A activity. Epidemiological studies suggest protective effects of lycopene on some types of cancer, e.g., prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies on growth of tumor cells support this conclusion. The major sources of lycopene for the human are tomatoes and tomato products, and bioavailability from different food items varies considerably. Lycopene oxidation products have recently been identified in human serum. Suggested health effects of lycopene require further investigation.
Beta-Carotene and lycopene are derived from plants, and they share similar initial synthetic pathway with cholesterol, which is synthesized in animal but not in plant cells. Thus, we sought to analyze the effect of carotenoids on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, in comparison to the effect of LDL cholesterol and of the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, fluvastatin. In J-774 A. 1 macrophage cell line, the cellular cholesterol synthesis from [3H]-acetate, but not from [14C] mevalonate, was suppressed by 63% any by 73% following cell incubation with beta-carotene or lycopene (10 microM) respectively, in comparison to a 90% and 91% inhibition by LDL (100 micrograms of cholesterol), or by fluvastatin (10 micrograms/ml) respectively. However, unlike LDL derived cholesterol, which also suppresses macrophage LDL receptor activity, lycopene and beta-carotene augmented the activity of the macrophage LDL receptor, similarly to the effect of fluvasfatin. In agreement with these in vitro observations, dietary supplementation of tomato's lycopene (60 mg/day) to 6 males for a 3 months period resulted in a significant 14% reduction in their plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations. We thus conclude that dietary supplementation of carotenoids may act as moderate hypocholesterolemic agents, secondary to their inhibitory effect on macrophage 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
The relationship between structure and reactivity is reported for a collection of carotenoids in solution reacted with oxidants generated by a modified Fenton process or with peroxyl radicals generated via the azo-initiators AMVN and AIBN. The initial rates of oxidation were in the order: lycopene > beta,beta-carotene, zeaxanthin > echinenone, isozeaxanthin > astaxanthin, canthaxanthin. The oxidative degradation caused rapid bleaching, due to disruption and breakdown of the polyene chromophore. A number of reaction mechanisms are likely to be involved. Isozeaxanthin, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, in which the C-4 and C-4' positions are occupied by functional groups, react more slowly than beta,beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, in which this position is free. Products such as the 4-methoxy (or 4-ethoxy) and 4,4'-dimethoxy (or 4,4'-diethoxy) derivatives were isolated from reactions of beta,beta-carotene with peroxyl radicals in the presence of methanol or ethanol. Electron density calculations suggest that the different reactivities cannot be attributed solely to differences in electron distribution along the polyene chain of the different chromophores, which would alter the susceptibility to free-radical addition to the conjugated double-bond system. Other reactions must therefore be considered, including hydrogen abstraction from positions allylic to the polyene chain (C-4 of beta,beta-carotene and its derivatives, and of lycopene). Lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin all reacted rapidly with oxidising agents, so these dietary carotenoids must also be considered as potential antioxidants.
A human intervention study with vegetable products has been performed in twenty three healthy, non smoking males aged 27-40. It was the aim of the study to assess whether consumption of vegetables containing different carotenoids could protect against DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage. The subjects consumed their normal diets, but abstained from vegetables high in carotenoids throughout the study period. After a 2 week depletion period, they received daily 330 ml tomato juice with 40 mg lycopene (weeks 3 and 4), 330 ml carrot juice with 22.3 mg beta-carotene and 15.7 mg alpha-carotene (weeks 5 and 6), and 10 g dried spinach powder (in water or milk) with 11.3 mg lutein (weeks 7 and 8). Blood was collected weekly and DNA damage was detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes with the 'COMET' assay. Oxidised DNA bases were detected by including an incubation step with endonuclease III. The supplementation of the diet with tomato, carrot or spinach products resulted in a significant decrease in endogenous levels of strand breaks in lymphocyte DNA. Oxidative base damage was significantly reduced during the carrot juice intervention. These findings support the hypothesis that carotenoid containing plant products exert a cancer-protective effect via a decrease in oxidative and other damage to DNA in humans.
Real time detection following laser flash photolysis of transient carotenoid radical cations and tocopheroxyl radicals formed in chloroform and bleaching of the carotenoids has allowed interaction between carotenoids and tocopherols to be studied. It is found that alpha-, beta-, and gamma-tocopherol reduce all the carotenoid radical cations investigated whereas the delta-tocopheroxyl radical can be reduced by lycopene and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and beta-apo-8'-carotenal radical cations are scavenged rapidly by all four tocopherol homologues whereas the other carotenoid radical cations react much more slowly with the tocopherols. The results allow the antioxidant hierarchy to be established: alpha-tocopherol > lycopene approximately beta-tocopherol approximately gamma-tocopherol > beta-carotene > zeaxanthin approximately delta-tocopherol > lutein > echinenone > canthaxanthin approximately beta-apo-8'-carotenal > astaxanthin.
To evaluate relationships of serum carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol, selenium, and retinol with breast cancer prospectively, we conducted a case-control study nested in a cohort from the Breast Cancer Serum Bank in Columbia, Missouri (United States). Women free of cancer donated blood to this bank in 1977-87. During up to 9.5 years of follow-up (median = 2.7 years), 105 cases of histologically confirmed breast cancer were diagnosed. For each case, two women alive and free of cancer at the age of the case's diagnosis and matched on age and date of blood collection were selected as controls. A nonsignificant gradient of decreasing risk of breast cancer with increasing serum beta-cryptoxanthin was apparent for all women. Serum lycopene also was associated inversely with risk, and among women who donated blood at least two years before diagnosis, a significant gradient of decreasing breast cancer risk with increasing lycopene concentration was evident. A marginally significant gradient of decreasing risk with increasing serum lutein/zeaxanthin also was apparent among these women. We did not observe any evidence for protective effects of alpha- and beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, retinol, or selenium for breast cancer. Results of this study suggest that the carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin may protect against breast cancer.
The peroxidation step of lipid transormation is considered to be essential in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Although data concerning the mechanisms by which lipid peroxidation occurs in vivo are scarce, several lines of evidence suggest that some endogenous and exogenous compounds with antioxidant activity could have some beneficial effects in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) act as the most important hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants, respectively in vivo. Accordingly, animal and human studies suggest that these compounds may have some preventive effect against the development of clinical coronary heart disease. Many plant phenols and flavonoids may be important dietary antioxidants and it has been speculated that these compounds in red wine or in the Mediterranean diet could explain the 'French paradox'. Several studies show that antioxidants such as probucol and butylated hydroxytoluene can inhibit development of atherosclerotic lesions in Watanabe and cholesterol-fed rabbits. Some drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, hypolipodemic drugs,...appear to have at least in vitro antioxidant effects but the clinical relevance of these properties remains unkonwn. Moreover, some interventions aimed to decrease the LDL-oxidative susceptibility have not been shown to attenuate atherogenesis when cholesterol levels remain markedly elevated.
Increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is hypothesized to be causally associated with increasing risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In recent epidemiological studies, tissue and serum levels of lycopene, a carotenoid available from tomatoes, have been found to be inversely related to risk of coronary heart disease. A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of lycopene on LDL oxidation in 19 healthy human subjects. Dietary lycopene was provided using tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, and tomato oleoresin for a period of 1 wk each. Blood samples were collected at the end of each treatment. Serum lycopene was extracted and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography using an absorbance detector. Serum LDL was isolated by precipitation with buffered heparin, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD) were measured to estimate LDL oxidation. Both methods, to measure LDL oxidation LDL-TBARS and LDL-CD, were in good agreement with each other. Dietary supplementation of lycopene significantly increased serum lycopene levels by at least twofold. Although there was no change in serum cholesterol levels (total, LDL, or high-density lipoprotein), serum lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation were significantly decreased. These results may have relevance for decreasing the risk for coronary heart disease.
The epidemiologic literature in the English language regarding intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products and blood lycopene (a compound derived predominantly from tomatoes) level in relation to the risk of various cancers was reviewed. Among 72 studies identified, 57 reported inverse associations between tomato intake or blood lycopene level and the risk of cancer at a defined anatomic site; 35 of these inverse associations were statistically significant. No study indicated that higher tomato consumption or blood lycopene level statistically significantly increased the risk of cancer at any of the investigated sites. About half of the relative risks for comparisons of high with low intakes or levels for tomatoes or lycopene were approximately 0.6 or lower. The evidence for a benefit was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Data were also suggestive of a benefit for cancers of the pancreas, colon and rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix. Because the data are from observational studies, a cause-effect relationship cannot be established definitively. However, the consistency of the results across numerous studies in diverse populations, for case-control and prospective studies, and for dietary-based and blood-based investigations argues against bias or confounding as the explanation for these findings. Lycopene may account for or contribute to these benefits, but this possibility is not yet proven and requires further study. Numerous other potentially beneficial compounds are present in tomatoes, and, conceivably, complex interactions among multiple components may contribute to the anticancer properties of tomatoes. The consistently lower risk of cancer for a variety of anatomic sites that is associated with higher consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products adds further support for current dietary recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.
Dietary intake of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid, has been shown in recent studies to reduce the risk of cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the serum and prostate tissue lycopene and other major carotenoid concentrations in cancer patients and their controls. Serum lipid and protein oxidation was also measured. Twelve prostate cancer patients and 12 age-matched subjects were used in the study. Significantly lower serum and tissue lycopene levels (44%, p = 0.04; 78%, p = 0.050, respectively) were observed in the cancer patients than in their controls. Serum and tissue beta-carotene and other major carotenoids did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.395 and p = 0.280, respectively). Although there was no difference (p = 0.760) in serum lipid peroxidation between cancer patients and their controls (7.09 +/- 0.74 and 6.81 +/- 0.56 mumol/l, respectively), serum protein thiol levels were significantly lower among the cancer patients (p = 0.026). This study demonstrates that the status of lycopene but not other carotenoids in prostate cancer patients is different from controls. The role of dietary lycopene in preventing oxidative damage of biomolecules and thereby reducing the risk of prostate cancer needs to be evaluated in future studies.
In this paper we record the observation that there occurs in the variety of tomato called "tangerine tomato" a carotenoid, prolycopene, which is an isomer of lycopene; the isomeric relationship is similar to that between lycopene and neolycopene,I and in our opinion prolycopene is to be classed as a naturally occurring neolycopene, being the first observed natural neo form of a C40-carotenoid.