Lycopene: features and potential significance in the oral cancer and precancerous lesions

Abstract

Data from epidemiological studies have indicated that diets rich in fruits and vegetables are likely to benefit many aspects of the prevention of oral malignancy. Lycopene is a red-coloured carotenoid predominantly accumulated in tomatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables. It has been claimed to alleviate chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular disease. Hence, the aim of this review is to summarize the features and its potential significance of lycopene in the development, prevention and treatment of oral premalignant lesions and oral cancer. Studies showed that lycopene might have beneficial effects in the management of some premalignant lesions in the oral cavity including oral submucous fibrosis and oral leukoplakia and may be an adjunct in the prevention and therapy of oral cancer. However, more mechanistic studies and randomized controlled trials of large sample size are necessary to further confirm these effects and to eventually make lycopene to be used in the community prevention and clinically routine management of these diseases.

Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Lycopene Versus Prednisolone in the Management of Oral Lichen Planus- A Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial.

“…[16] In this study, partial to complete remission of lesions was observed in all patients. NRS burning sensation scores were statistically highly significant decreased in lycopene (94%, Our rationale for dose selection (lycopene 4 mg/day, prednisolone 40 mg/day) was based on the previous studies.…”

Effect of various antioxidants on the shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel: An in vitro study

“…Due to its potent antioxidant potential, lycopene obtained from tomato extract was taken up for the study. [13] Since it was used on the external surface of the hard tissues, a minimum concentration of 5% lycopene extract was chosen for this study.…”

“…[1] Another natural antioxidant, lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomato extract, is known to have free radical scavenging ability. [1213] But the effect of lycopene on bleached enamel has not been investigated so far. Comparative evaluation of these antioxidants, namely, sodium ascorbate, proanthocyanidin, and lycopene, is yet to be done.…”

Synergic effect of curcumin or lycopene with irradiation upon oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

“…Livny et al (Livny et al , ) showed that lycopene enhanced the gap junction between the KB‐1 cells and significantly upregulated the expression of connexin 43, a key protein in the formation of GJC. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that lycopene could suppress the proliferation and promote GJC of oral cancer cells, which may be involved in the mechanisms of action of lycopene in the prevention of oral cancer (Lu et al , ).…”