Lycopene

Lycopene

Molecular Formula:C40H56
CAS Number：502-65-8
Application：Natural pigments/ Health care/skin care
Aliphatics;Nutritional Ingredients; Fine Chemicals; Pharmaceuticals intermediate;

Description:
Lycopene is a red-colored carotenoid found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids, including lycopene, are powerful antioxidants that efficiently quench singlet oxygen. Presumably through this action, carotenoids may protect against cancers, cardiovascular stress, and other diseases.

From a chemistry perspective, lycopene is a symmetrical tetraterpene assembled from 8 isoprene units, containing 11 conjugated and 2 non-conjugated double bonds between carbon atoms. Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family, and the predominant source in the human diet comes from tomato and tomato-based products. The antioxidant capacity of tomato strongly depends on the content and bioavailability of lycopene in the fruit. There is strong correlation between lycopene content in tomatoes and antioxidant capacity.

Antioxidant micronutrient of tomatoes associated with decreased risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Enhances gap juction communication between cells via upregulation of connexin 43 and reduces proliferation of cancer cells in culture. Inhibits cholesterol synthesis and enhances low-density lipoprotein degradation.