Lycopene: A Powerful Nutraceutical with Diversified Health Benefits

Abstract: Lycopene, a tetraterpene of eight isoprene units belongs to the family of carotenoids, abundantly found in tomatoes and its derivative products. It is non provitamin A carotenoid which is associated with powerful antioxidant action that may trap reactive oxygen species resulting in an increase in the overall antioxidant potential or a reduction in the oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, thereby decreasing the oxidative stress. Due to this, the addition of lycopene to the diet is considered to be important. It is used as a food colorant owing to its strong color and non-toxic nature. Recent literature reports have highlighted the significance of lycopene in health. It exhibits many health benefits in ameliorating cancer, inflammation, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular complications, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and hepatic, skin, and bone diseases. In this review, we have summarized the information regarding sources, chemistry, extraction techniques, and health benefits of lycopene.