Functioning of Lycopene in Mammalian System: A Review

Lycopene is an open chain ‘hydrocarbon carotenoid’ without provitamin A activity, which gives tomato, pink grape fruit, watermelon etc. their red colour. It is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to neutralize free radicals, especially those derived from oxygen, thereby conferring protection against prostate cancer, breast cancer, atherosclerosis and associated coronary artery disease etc. It reduces (L.D.L) low-density lipoprotein oxidation and helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, preliminary research suggests that lycopene may reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation and cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin. © 2011, Zoological Society, Kolkata.