Sanadi et al., IJPSR, 2012; Vol. 3(12): 4578-4582 ISSN: 0975-8232 Available online on www.ijpsr.com 4578 IJPSR (2012), Vol. 3, Issue 12 (Review Article) Received on 02 August, 2012; received in revised form 14 September, 2012; accepted 16 November, 2012 LYCOPENE: IT’S ROLE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE Rizwan M. Sanadi, Manan Doshi*, Jayant R. Ambulgekar and Xerxes Khambatta Yerala Medical Trust & Research Centre, Dental College and Hospital PG Institution, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai- 410210, Maharashtra, India ABSTRACT Lycopene is a carotenoid that is present in tomatoes, processed tomato products and other fruits. 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. Serum and tissue lycopene levels have been found to be inversely related to the incidence of several types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its beneficial effects, evidence is accumulating to suggest that other mechanisms may also be involved. In this article we outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current understanding of its role in human health and disease prevention. INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress, induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), is one of the main foci of recent research related to the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD) and osteoporosis 1 . ROS are highly reactive oxidant molecules that are generated endogenously through normal metabolic processes, life style activity and the diet. They react with cellular components, causing oxidative damage to such critical cellular biomolecules as lipids, proteins and DNA. There is strong evidence that this damage may play a significant role in the causation of several chronic diseases. Antioxidants provide an effective means to combat the deleterious effects of ROS and are increasingly being considered as strategic chemopreventive agents in the management of human diseases. Lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient, is the most potent antioxidant naturally present in many fruits and vegetables. However, tomatoes and processed tomato products constitute the major source of dietary lycopene accounting for up to 85% of the daily intake 2 . There is considerable scientific interest in the role of lycopene in the prevention of several degenerative diseases. Chemistry, Bioavailability and Metabolism of Lycopene: Lycopene is a highly unsaturated straight chain hydrocarbon with a total of thirteen double bonds, eleven of which are conjugated (Fig. 1). Correspondence to Author: Dr. Manan Doshi 605, Alexandria, Skyline Oasis, Premier Road, Near Vidyavihar Station, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai- 400086. Maharashtra. India Email: manandoshi08@gmail.com Keywords: Antioxidant, Carotenoid, Lycopene, Tomato, Tomato Products QUICK RESPONSE CODE IJPSR: ICV (2011)- 5.07 Website: www.ijpsr.com