Lycopene: A Natural Arsenal in the War against Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential substance obtained from dietary sources to fulfil the body requirements. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress and downstream complications include one of the major health concerns worldwide. In recent years, oxidative stress and its counter strategies have attracted biomedical research in order to manage the emerging health issues. Lycopene has been reported to directly interact with ROS, which can help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review article was written to provide an accumulative account of protective and ameliorative effects of lycopene on coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that fights ROS and, subsequently, complications. It reduces blood pressure via inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and regulating nitrous oxide bioavailability. It plays an important role in lowering of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and improving HDL (high-density lipoproteins) levels to minimize atherosclerosis, which protects the onset of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Various studies have advocated that lycopene exhibited a combating competence in the treatment of these diseases. Owing to all the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties, lycopene provides a potential nutraceutical with a protective and curing ability against coronary artery disease and hypertension.

Tomato By-Products, a Source of Nutrients for the Prevention and Reduction of Malnutrition

“…Lycopene may prevent inflammation, pain and cardiovascular disease. It may also regulate blood cholesterol levels and protect against high blood pressure and coronary heart disease [ 11 ]. As the most common carotenoid found in the blood, its consumption is very important.…”

“…As the most common carotenoid found in the blood, its consumption is very important. Due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role, lycopene is thought to be effective in preventing the effects of malnutrition [ 11 ]. In this study, the levels (101.23 to 101.46 ± 0.46 mg/100 g) obtained in the peels confirmed that tomato by-products are significant sources of bioactive compounds.…”

“…They are antioxidant compounds that protect the body from free radicals. Lycopene prevents cardiovascular diseases and cancer, is involved in the metabolism, limits intestinal damage and reduces the loss of immunoglobulin A [ 11 ]. Beta-carotene (provitamin A), in addition to its antioxidant properties, is involved in the regulation of fat and cholesterol metabolism and plays an anti-inflammatory and anticancer role [ 12 ].…”

Lycopene in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

“…The mode of action of lycopene towards reactive forms of ROS can be predicted through three mechanisms such as (Figure 2): Besides quenching singlet molecular oxygen, lycopene is also known to act on other free radicals like hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydroxyl radicals [42]. Lycopene is believed to increase the cellular antioxidant defense system by regenerating non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, from their radicals [43].…”

The Effect of High-Intensity Ultrasound and Natural Oils on the Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Lycopene from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Waste

“…Lycopene, one of the main carotenoids present in tomatoes has several beneficial properties and acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidative damage and thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases [ 5 ]. Other studies mention that this compound is an ingredient with many positive contributions to human health and physiology [ 6 ]. It is a hydrophobic antioxidant that confers the red color pigment characteristic of tomatoes and increases with ripening [ 7 ].…”