Lycopene - A pleiotropic neuroprotective nutraceutical: Deciphering its therapeutic potentials in broad spectrum neurological disorders

Roles of Nutraceuticals in Regulating Neurotransmitters in Dementia

“…Lycopene is the most prevalent carotenoid found in tomatoes and other red-colored fruits such as watermelon, papaya, and grapefruit [57]. A substantial increase in the density of dopamine and GABA receptors in substantia nigra regions were seen in the experimental group of PD rats treated with lycopene compared to the control group after several days of therapy [58].…”

Lycopene: Sojourn from kitchen to an effective therapy in Alzheimer's disease

“…Lycopene has been given a considerable attention for the management of neuropathologies including AD because of its antioxidant, 62,63 immunomodulatory, 64,65 and anti‐inflammatory properties 66,67 . Being a lipophilic molecule, it crosses blood–brain barrier 24 . On reaching brain tissue, it helps in maintaining neuronal health or in preventing or mitigating oxidative stress‐induced neurological lesions 68,69 .…”

“…20,21 The lipophilic nature of lycopene (log P 17.64) 22 facilitates its permeation through bloodbrain barrier and may be responsible for its therapeutic potential as a prophylactic or treatment in a number of neurological diseases. 23,24 Lycopene has been reported to restore the characteristic pathophysiological and behavioral alterations associated with pathogenesis of certain neurodegenerative disorders, 25,26 epileptic conditions, 27 aging, 28 spinal cord injury, 29 and neuropathy. 30 Prophylactic and therapeutic benefits of lycopene against neurological disorders are attributed to its potent antioxidant potential, which is found to be tenfold than that of α-tocopherol in terms of singlet-oxygen-quenching ability.…”

Hormetic Effects of Bioactive Compounds from Foods, Beverages, and Food Dressing: The Potential Role in Spinal Cord Injury

“…Moreover, vitamin C treatment alone suppressed NF- κ B, COX-2, and iNOS expressions in renal tissue, reduced the inflammatory responses (TNF- α and IL-1 β ) and oxidative stress (TBARS, protein carbonyl, and MPO), and enhanced the antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPX) after SCI-induced kidney damage [ 62 ]. On the other hand, the lipid-soluble plant pigments carotenoids, having antioxidant activity, have been suggested as neuroprotective nutraceuticals [ 63 , 64 ]. The carotenoid lycopene found richly in red fruits and vegetables, due to its lipophilic structure, can pass through the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain [ 63 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the lipid-soluble plant pigments carotenoids, having antioxidant activity, have been suggested as neuroprotective nutraceuticals [ 63 , 64 ]. The carotenoid lycopene found richly in red fruits and vegetables, due to its lipophilic structure, can pass through the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain [ 63 ]. It was demonstrated that lycopene treatment in SCI rats significantly improved oxidative stress, by reversing SOD, GPX, and MDA alterations [ 65 ].…”