Bioavailability Of Lycopene Research Articles

Does Oral Lycopene Reduce Benign Prostate Enlargement/Hyperplasia (BPE/BPH)?

Aims: Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in ‘Mediterranean diets’ with evidence suggesting a beneficial effect on the prostate. Our objective was to critically appraise the current literature whether Lycopene has a beneficial effect on benign prostatic enlargement. Methods: We searched PubMed electronic databases for articles published through 2000. The following key words used: lycopene and prostate or prostrate cancer or prostatitis or BPH or BOO or LUTS or LUTD or BPE, in vitro or in vivo, animal study. Results: The literature search identified 91 articles for analysis, 24 in vitro, 9 in vivo, 43 clinical and 15 review articles. We analyzed the papers with regards to bioavailability of lycopene, laboratory findings and clinical results of lycopene supplementation. Conclusions: Lycopene has beneficial effects on prostate and several mechanisms of action have been identified in laboratory and clinical studies. However, the most important issue regarding future trials with lycopene is bioavailability.

Lycopene Deficiency in Ageing and Cardiovascular Disease.

Lycopene is a hydrocarbon phytochemical belonging to the tetraterpene carotenoid family and is found in red fruit and vegetables. Eleven conjugated double bonds predetermine the antioxidant properties of lycopene and its ability to scavenge lipid peroxyl radicals, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide. Lycopene has a low bioavailability rate and appears in the blood circulation incorporated into chylomicrons and other apo-B containing lipoproteins. The recent body of evidence suggests that plasma concentration of lycopene is not only a function of intestinal absorption rate but also lycopene breakdown via enzymatic and oxidative pathways in blood and tissues. Oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide may represent a major cause of lycopene depletion in ageing, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been shown recently that low carotenoid levels, and especially decreased serum lycopene levels, are strongly predictive of all-cause mortality and poor outcomes of cardiovascular disease. However, there is a poor statistical association between dietary and serum lycopene levels which occurs due to limited bioavailability of lycopene from dietary sources. Hence, it is very unlikely that nutritional intervention alone could be instrumental in the correction of lycopene and carotenoid deficiency. Therefore, new nutraceutical formulations of carotenoids with enhanced bioavailability are urgently needed.

Lycopene bioavailability is associated with a combination of genetic variants

The intake of tomatoes and tomato products, which constitute the main dietary source of the red pigment lycopene (LYC), has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, suggesting a protective role of this carotenoid. However, LYC bioavailability displays high interindividual variability. This variability may lead to varying biological effects following LYC consumption. Based on recent results obtained with two other carotenoids, we assumed that this variability was due, at least in part, to several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in LYC and lipid metabolism. Thus, we aimed at identifying a combination of SNPs significantly associated with the variability in LYC bioavailability. In a postprandial study, 33 healthy male volunteers consumed a test meal containing 100g tomato puree, which provided 9.7mg all-trans LYC. LYC concentrations were measured in plasma chylomicrons (CM) isolated at regular time intervals over 8h postprandially. For the study 1885 SNPs in 49 candidate genes, i.e., genes assumed to play a role in LYC bioavailability, were selected. Multivariate statistical analysis (partial least squares regression) was used to identify and validate the combination of SNPs most closely associated with postprandial CM LYC response. The postprandial CM LYC response to the meal was notably variable with a CV of 70%. A significant (P=0.037) and validated partial least squares regression model, which included 28 SNPs in 16 genes, explained 72% of the variance in the postprandial CM LYC response. The postprandial CM LYC response was also positively correlated to fasting plasma LYC concentrations (r=0.37, P<0.05). The ability to respond to LYC is explained, at least partly, by a combination of 28 SNPs in 16 genes. Interindividual variability in bioavailability apparently affects the long-term blood LYC status, which could ultimately modulate the biological response following LYC supplementation.

Enhanced bioavailability of lycopene when consumed as cis-isomers from tangerine compared to red tomato juice, a randomized, cross-over clinical trial.

Tangerine tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are rich in tetra-cis-lycopene resulting from natural variation in carotenoid isomerase. Our objective was to compare the bioavailability of lycopene from tangerine to red tomato juice, and elucidate physical deposition forms of these isomers in tomatoes by light and electron microscopy. Following a randomized cross-over design, subjects (n = 11, 6 M/5 F) consumed two meals delivering 10 mg lycopene from tangerine (94% cis) or red tomato juice (10% cis). Blood was sampled over 12 h and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fractions of plasma were isolated and analyzed using HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Lycopene was crystalline in red tomato chromoplasts and globular in tangerine tomatoes. With tangerine tomato juice we observed a marked 8.5-fold increase in lycopene bioavailability compared to red tomato juice (p < 0.001). Fractional absorption was 47.70 ± 8.81% from tangerine and 4.98 ± 1.92% from red tomato juices. Large heterogeneity was observed among subjects. Lycopene is markedly more bioavailable from tangerine than from red tomato juice, consistent with a predominance of cis-lycopene isomers and presence in chromoplasts in a lipid dissolved globular state. These results justify using tangerine tomatoes as a lycopene source in studies examining the potential health benefits of lycopene-rich foods.

Lipid-dissolved γ-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene in globular chromoplasts of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) fruits.

High levels of β-carotene, lycopene, and the rare γ-carotene occur predominantly lipid-dissolved in the chromoplasts of peach palm fruits. First proof of their absorption from these fruits is reported. The structural diversity, the physical deposition state in planta, and the human bioavailability of carotenoids from the edible fruits of diverse orange and yellow-colored peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) varieties were investigated. HPLC-PDA-MS(n) revealed a broad range of carotenes, reaching total carotenoid levels from 0.7 to 13.9mg/100g FW. Besides the predominant (all-E)-β-carotene (0.4-5.4mg/100g FW), two (Z)-isomers of γ-carotene (0.1-3.9mg/100g FW), and one (Z)-lycopene isomer (0.04-0.83mg/100g FW) prevailed. Approximately 89-94% of total carotenoid content pertained to provitamin A carotenoids with retinol activity equivalents ranging from 37 to 609µg/100g FW. The physical deposition state of these carotenoids in planta was investigated using light, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy. The plastids found in both orange and yellow-colored fruit mesocarps were amylo-chromoplasts of the globular type, containing carotenoids predominantly in a lipid-dissolved form. The hypothesis of lipid-dissolved carotenoids was supported by simple solubility estimations based on carotenoid and lipid contents of the fruit mesocarp. In our study, we report first results on the human bioavailability of γ-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene from peach palm fruit, particularly proving the post-prandial absorption of the rarely occurring γ-carotene. Since the physical state of carotenoid deposition has been shown to be decisive for carotenoid bioavailability, lipid-dissolved carotenoids in peach palm fruits are expected to be highly bioavailable, however, further studies are required.

Development of lycopene micelle and lycopene chylomicron and a comparison of bioavailability

The objectives of this study were to develop lycopene micelles and lycopene chylomicrons from tomato extracts for the enhancement and comparison of bioavailability. Lycopene micelles and chylomicrons were prepared by a microemulsion technique involving tomato extract, soybean oil, water, vitamin E and surfactant Tween 80 or lecithin in different proportions. The encapsulation efficiency of lycopene was 78% in micelles and 80% in chylomicrons, with shape being roughly spherical and mean particle size being 7.5 and 131.5 nm. A bioavailability study was conducted in rats by both gavage and i.v. administration, with oral bioavailability of lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene being 6.8, 4.3 and 3.1% in micelles and 9.5, 9.4 and 7.1% in chylomicrons, respectively. This outcome reveals higher lycopene bioavailability through incorporation into micelle or chylomicron systems. Both size and shape should be considered for oral bioavailability determination. For i.v. injection, lycopene micelles should be more important than lycopene chylomicrons for future clinical applications.

A novel lipid-based solid dispersion for enhancing oral bioavailability of Lycopene – In vivo evaluation using a pig model

Lycopene is a potent anti-oxidant, which has been widely reported for its potential benefits at reducing the risks of certain types of cancer e.g. prostate cancer. The oral bioavailability of this highly lipophilic carotenoid is low and highly influenced by the extent of intestinal lymphatic uptake. The aim of this study was to develop an optimised formulation, which allows for efficient absorption following oral administration. A self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) and solid dispersion of Lycopene were developed initially. Subsequently, a novel lipid based solid dispersion (LBSD) was designed. Processing via a solid dispersion approach was found to alter the solid state characteristics of Lycopene, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bioavailability of Lycopene was significantly increased after oral administration of LBSD to fasted pigs, relative to the commercial product (Lycovit(®)). A clear distinction in terms of Cmax and AUC was observed between Lycovit(®) and LBSD. In conclusion, a novel LBSD formulation was developed to enhance the oral bioavailability of the model lipophilic compound, Lycopene, by enhancing dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting intestinal lymphatic uptake utilising digestible lipid excipients.

Influence of cooking procedure on the bioavailability of lycopene in tomatoes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of raw and processed tomato consumption on plasma lycopene concentration in healthy volunteers. A cross-over dietary intervention study was employed. Fifteen healthy subjects were included in the study. Plasma lycopene concentration was assayed by HPLC. Raw crushed tomato consumption did not significantly influence plasma lycopene concentration. Consumption of raw crushed tomato with olive oil and cooked tomatoes with olive oil, significantly increased blood lycopene levels.

Daily intake of fruit and vegetable soups processed in different ways increases human serum β-carotene and lycopene concentrations and reduces levels of several oxidative stress markers in healthy subjects

The effect of daily intakes of two differently processed fruit and vegetable soups on beta-carotene and lycopene bioavailability, oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk biomarkers was investigated. An optimised soup produced using heat treatments and high pressure homogenisation for high nutrient retention, and a traditionally produced reference soup were tested. Serum beta-carotene concentration was significantly higher with the optimised than with the reference soup after the supplementation (0.41 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.03 mu M, respectively), whereas the serum lycopene concentration was higher in subjects consuming the reference (0.06 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.02 mu M). The change in serum homocysteine levels tended to be greater in the optimised group (-1.67 +/- 0.63 vs. 0.02 +/- 0.17 mu M, p = 0.06). Serum antioxidant enzyme activity decreased significantly with consumption of both soups, but to a greater extent with the optimised soup. The consumption of the fruit and vegetable soups increased serum beta-carotene and lycopene concentrations and reduced the levels of several oxidative stress makers, particularly in subjects consuming the optimised soup.

Optimization of technological parameters for preparation of lycopene microcapsules.

Lycopene belongs to the carotenoid family with high degree of unsaturation and all-trans form. Lycopene is easy to isomerize and auto oxide by heat, light, oxygen and different food matrices. With an increasing understanding of the health benefit of lycopene, to enhance stability and bioavailability of lycopene, ultrasonic emulsification was used to prepare lycopene microcapsules in this article. The results optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) for microcapsules consisted of four major steps: (1) 0.54g glycerin monostearate was fully dissolved in 5mL ethyl acetate and then added 0.02g lycopene to form an organic phase, 100.7mL distilled water which dissolved 0.61g synperonic pe(R)/F68 as the aqueous phase; (2) the organic phase was pulled into the aqueous phase under stirring at 60°C water bath for 5min; (3) the mixture was then ultrasonic homogenized at 380W for 20min to form a homogenous emulsion; (4) the resulting emulsion was rotary evaporated at 50°C water bath for 10min under a pressure of 20MPa. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) of lycopene microcapsules under the optimized conditions approached to 64.4%.

Applicability of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in Vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Models in Predicting the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in Vivo&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Bioavailability of Lycopene and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;β&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Carotene from Differently Processed Soups

Presently, there is no clear consensus on the best approach to estimate carotenoid bioavailability. The best alternative would be to use human studies, but they are labour-intensive and expensive and can only be used to investigate a limited number of samples. Hence, a number of in vitro models have been developed to study pre-absorptive processes and factors affecting bioavailability. The question is, however, how well the results obtained by the various methods correlate to each other and to the in vivo situation. In the present paper, we have compared in vivo data from two human studies on differently processed soups containing carrots, tomato and broccoli, with results obtained by in vitro characterisation of the same soups. In vitro bioaccessibility was estimated by a static in vitro digestion investigating matrix release and micellarization of carotenoids and by uptake studies in a human intestinal cell line (Caco-2). In vivo data was obtained from clinical studies measuring total plasma carotenoid concentrations in human subjects after 4 weeks daily consumption of the soups. Comparison of the in vitro and in vivo results indicate that the combination of a two-step in vitro digestion and Caco-2 cells seems to be a useful tool for estimation of β-carotene bioaccessibility and screening of factors governing the release of β-carotene from this type of food. For lycopene the in vitro and in vivo results were less consistent, suggesting that reliable prediction of lycopene bioavailability might be more problematic.

Characterization of chromoplasts and carotenoids of red- and yellow-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Chromoplast morphology and ultrastructure of red- and yellow-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L.) were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. Carotenoid analyses by LC-MS revealed striking similarity of nutritionally relevant carotenoid profiles in both the red and yellow varieties. However, while yellow fruits contained only trace amounts of lycopene, the latter was found to be predominant in red papaya (51% of total carotenoids). Comparison of the pigment-loaded chromoplast ultrastructures disclosed tubular plastids to be abundant in yellow papaya, whereas larger crystalloid substructures characterized most frequent red papaya chromoplasts. Exclusively existent in red papaya, such crystalloid structures were associated with lycopene accumulation. Non-globular carotenoid deposition was derived from simple solubility calculations based on carotenoid and lipid contents of the differently colored fruit pulps. Since the physical state of carotenoid deposition may be decisive regarding their bioavailability, chromoplasts from lycopene-rich tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) were also assessed and compared to red papaya. Besides interesting analogies, various distinctions were ascertained resulting in the prediction of enhanced lycopene bioavailability from red papaya. In addition, the developmental pathway of red papaya chromoplasts was investigated during fruit ripening and carotenogenesis. In the early maturation stage of white-fleshed papaya, undifferentiated proplastids and globular plastids were predominant, corresponding to incipient carotenoid biosynthesis. Since intermediate plastids, e.g., amyloplasts or chloroplasts, were absent, chromoplasts are likely to emerge directly from proplastids.

Lycopene as a natural antioxidant

A wide range of substances have been identified as antioxidants exerting their oxidation-inhibitory effects by different mechanisms 1, 2. However, the list of lipophilic natural oxidants is limited. Lycopene is thus an attractive natural compound for lipid scientists and technologist. As a strong singlet oxygen quencher it can stop lipid oxidation at an initiation stage. 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 3. Lycopene exhibits a high physical quenching rate of singlet oxygen 4, which is directly related to its antioxidant activity. The rates for other lipophilic antioxidants, namely β-carotene and α-tocopherol, are about twofold and 100-fold lower. Taking into consideration the concentration of lycopene in human plasma (0.7 µM), it is worth emphasizing the high 1O2-quenching potency of this carotenoid. The quenching efficacy of lycopene is related in part to the opening of the β-ionone ring to an open chain form. Lycopene can also play a role in scavenging hypochlorous acid (HOCl) 5. This acid contributes to the pathology of atherosclerosis, inflammatory disease, respiratory stress, acute vasculitis, and cancer. The oxidation of lycopene via HOCl is accompanied by a change in its colour from red to colourless; the results of LC-MS analysis showed an increase of HOCl concentration in the sample containing lycopene. In the same sample, however, numerous products of lycopene oxidation were also observed. In the study of Bou et al. 6 in this issue of EJLST free radical scavengers, propyl galate, gallic acid and α-tocopherol all had the ability to decrease lycopene oxidation with α-tocopherol being the most active. The results of experimental studies suggest that lycopene can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by modulating low-density lipoprotein oxidation 7. Oxidised LDLs are highly atherogenic due to stimulation of foam cell formation. The antioxidant activity of lycopene in multilamellar liposomes is superior to other lipophilic natural antioxidants (e.g. α-tocopherol, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and lutein) 8. It is noteworthy that equimolar mixtures of carotenoids are more effective than any single compound alone. This strong synergistic effect is most pronounced with lycopene and lutein together 8. The damage of endothelial cells by oxidative stress is an important component to the aetiology of atherosclerosis. In the study of Tang et al. 9, lycopene decreased the oxidative injury of endothelial cells induced by H2O2, attenuated the expression of p53 and caspase-3 mRNA in injured cells, and diminished the apoptosis of injured cells. These findings can explain, in part, why lycopene prevents atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The results of the study of Lee et al. 10 demonstrated that the consumption of tomato products with olive oil, but not sunflower oil, increased the antioxidant activity of human plasma. According to the FRAP assay, the antioxidant activity increased from 930 to 1118 µmol/L as an effect of consumption of tomato products with olive oil. Endogenous antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase can also be stimulated by lycopene 11. Lycopene in association with α-tocopherol enhances acyl platelet-activating factor (acyl-PAF) biosynthesis in endothelial cells during oxidative stress. Acyl-PAF exerts its beneficial role during the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis 12. Based on the study of Polidori et al. 13, the fraction of blood pumped out of the right and left ventricles with each heart beat in patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) was directly correlated to plasma lycopene levels. Oxidised lycopene (i.e. a mixture of apolycopenones and diapocarotenedials) exhibited biological activity in terms of induction of detoxication phase 2 enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), NADPH (a quinine acceptor) oxidoreductase (QR) and UDP-glucuronsyltransferase activation via the activation of electrophile/antioxidant response element transcription system (EpRE/ARE) 14. The effect of lycopene on lipid peroxidation in CV1-P monkey cells exposed to ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) plus ascorbate was investigated by Matos et al. 15. Cells supplemented with lycopene showed a strong reduction in lipid peroxidation, suggesting that lycopene can protect mammalian cells against membrane damage and possibly play a protective role against tumour promotion associated with oxidative damage. In summary, there is strong evidence suggesting that the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products in our daily diets affords many health benefits, particularly from the perspective of assisting endogenous processes at reducing the oxidative stress in its various forms.

Lycopene bioavailability and metabolism in humans: an accelerator mass spectrometry study

To our knowledge, there is no direct information on lycopene metabolism in humans. The objective of this study was to quantify the long-term human bioavailability of lycopene in plasma and skin after a single dose of (14)C-lycopene and to profile the metabolites formed. We preselected 2 male subjects as lycopene absorbers and gave them an oral dose of 10 mg synthetic lycopene combined with ≈6 μg [6,6',7,7'-(14)C]lycopene (≈30,000 Bq; 92% trans lycopene). The appearance of (14)C in plasma, plasma triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction, urine, expired breath carbon dioxide, and skin biopsies was measured over 42 d. The (14)C in lycopene-isomer fractions from plasma and TRL fraction was measured to assess the isomerization of lycopene in vivo. We quantified (14)C from (14)C-lycopene in plasma, the plasma TRL fraction, expired carbon dioxide, urine, and skin. The time to maximum concentration (t(max)) of total (14)C-lycopene in plasma was 6 h, and the elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was 5 d, which were different from the t(max) and t(1/2) of unlabeled lycopene (0.5 and 48 d, respectively). (14)C-Lycopene was extensively isomerized after dosing as a 92% all-trans isomer at dosing but changed to 50% trans, 38% 5 cis, 1% 9 cis, and 11% other cis isomers after 24 h. A similar pattern of isomerization was seen in plasma TRL fractions. Lycopene was extensively isomerized after dosing and rapidly metabolized into polar metabolites excreted into urine with the rapid peak of (14)CO(2) after dosing, which implies that β-oxidation was involved in the lycopene metabolism. Lycopene or its metabolites were detected in skin for up to 42 d.

The Role of Bile and Pancreatin in Improving the In Vitro Bioavailability of Lycopene and Starch in Extruded Snacks Containing Tomato Paste Powder

Nutritionally enhanced extruded snack foods enriched with tomato paste powder were produced that contained lycopene and fiber. To simultaneously measure the in vitro bioavailability of lycopene and starch from the snacks, a digestion model was developed by using various concentrations of bile (0 to 20 mg/ml) and pancreatin (0, 0.4, 2.4, 4.8, and 6 mg/ml). In vitro bioavailability of starch was determined based on the glucose released and, for lycopene, the amount transferred to the micellar phase of digesta. Furthermore, the digestion was monitored by measuring the proportion of solids remaining at the end of digestion. The amount of glucose released from the starch after 120 min of digestion varied between 683 and 885 mg/g starch at different bile and pancreatin concentrations. The presence of bile reduced the amount of pancreatin needed to maximize starch digestibility. The proportion of micellar lycopene increased from 5% to 43% with increases in both bile and pancreatin concentrations. At constant pancreatin concentration, increases in bile concentration enhanced the in vitro bioavailability of lycopene by up to fivefold, while at constant bile concentration, 1.5-fold increase was observed with the increases in pancreatin used. The proportion of solids remaining at the end of digestion varied from 14% to 70%. Increasing the bile and pancreatin concentration enhanced the digestion of the snack. In conclusion, the maximum amount of potentially bioavailable starch and lycopene in this study was obtained by using 4.8 mg/ml pancreatin and 10 mg/ml bile. Furthermore, the results suggest that bile and pancreatin collaborated in the digestion of both starch and lycopene present in the enriched snack.

Processing of tomato: impact onin vitrobioaccessibility of lycopene and textural properties

Human studies have demonstrated that processing of tomato can greatly increase lycopene bioavailability. However, the difference between processing methods is not widely investigated. In the current study different thermal treatments of tomato were evaluated with regard to their impact on in vitro bioaccessibility and retention of lycopene and beta-carotene as well as textural properties. Thermal treatments used were low (60 degrees C) and high (90 degrees C) temperature blanching followed by boiling. Lycopene was relatively stable during thermal treatment, whereas beta-carotene was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by all heat treatments except for low temperature blanching. In vitro bioaccessibility of lycopene was significantly increased from 5.1 +/- 0.2 to 9.2 +/- 1.8 and 9.7 +/- 0.6 mg kg(-1) for low and high temperature blanching, respectively. An additional boiling step after blanching did not further improve lycopene bioaccessibility for any treatment, but significantly reduced the consistency of low temperature treated samples. Choice and order of processing treatments can have a large impact on both lycopene bioavailability and texture of tomato products. Further investigations are needed, but this study provides one of the first steps towards tomato products tailored to optimise nutritional benefits.

Bioavailability of lycopene in the rat: the role of intestinal lymphatic transport

As a natural antioxidant derived from dietary sources, lycopene has attracted considerable attention as a potent chemopreventative agent. Lycopene is an extremely lipophilic compound and absorption from dietary sources is estimated to be low and highly variable. As a result, plasma lycopene concentrations are poorly correlated with dietary intake of lycopene rich food stuffs. The development of an oral formulation remains a challenge that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the intestinal absorption of this compound. The solubility of lycopene in simulated physiological fluids and bile salt mixed micelle formulations was determined. The extent of intestinal lymphatic transport and the absolute bioavailability of lycopene from a range of biorelevant media was evaluated in a mesenteric lymph duct cannulated anaesthetised rat model. The absolute bioavailability of lycopene after 8 h was 1.85 +/- 0.39%. The overall extent of the intestinal lymphatic transport was in the range of 0.6-3.4% of the administered dose. A strong positive correlation (r(2) > 0.9) between intestinal lycopene levels and intestinal triglyceride levels was demonstrated. The intestinal lymphatic route is the major uptake mechanism of lycopene from the gastrointestinal tract. Lycopene transport in intestinal lymph was closely associated with triglyceride transport in the lymph. Formulation strategies designed to promote intestinal lymphatic uptake, such as lipid-based formulations containing long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) or lecithin, may serve to enhance oral bioavailability of lycopene.

Tomato powder is more protective than lycopene supplement against lipid peroxidation in rats

The hypothesis that tomato powder (TP) is more protective than lycopene-beadlet (LB) treatment in rats fed with or without H(2)O(2) was tested by comparing their beneficial effects on serum and hepatic lipids, peroxidation product (malondialdehyde [MDA]), and serum lipoproteins. In groups receiving no H(2)O(2), TP and LB similarly lowered MDA, a major lipid peroxidation product, moderately in the serum but markedly in the liver, more than their respective controls. Hydrogen peroxide consumption elevated liver and serum MDA levels similarly among all treatments, but induced no increase in serum MDA for the TP group, which indicated a stronger protection against lipid peroxidation by TP than by LB treatment. Although the TP and LB diets provided equal amounts of lycopene, serum, and liver lycopene levels for treatments with or without H(2)O(2), they were markedly elevated in TP but still higher in LB group than controls. This indicated a greater lycopene bioavailability in LB than TP. Importantly, TP and LB treatments with or without H(2)O(2) consumption lowered serum total cholesterol and triglycerides by one fifth, as well as decreased serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by more than one third of their respective levels in controls. Similarly, liver total cholesterol was markedly lowered (>1/3) by TP or LB treatment, but liver triglycerides were lowered to one fourth by only TP treatment, of the levels in their respective controls. Thus, TP appeared to be more protective because of its additional ability to prevent the H(2)O(2)-induced rise in serum MDA and seemed to lower liver triglycerides more than LB treatment.

Lycopene: chemistry, biology, and implications for human health and disease.

A diet rich in carotenoid-containing foods is associated with a number of health benefits. Lycopene provides the familiar red color to tomato products and is one of the major carotenoids in the diet of North Americans and Europeans. Interest in lycopene is growing rapidly following the recent publication of epidemiologic studies implicating lycopene in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancers of the prostate or gastrointestinal tract. Lycopene has unique structural and chemical features that may contribute to specific biological properties. Data concerning lycopene bioavailability, tissue distribution, metabolism, excretion, and biological actions in experimental animals and humans are beginning to accumulate although much additional research is necessary. This review will summarize our knowledge in these areas as well as the associations between lycopene consumption and human health.

Extraction of lycopene from tomato sauce with mushrooms (Agaricus brasiliensis), determined by high-performance liquid chromatography

Lycopene belongs to the subgroup of non-oxygenated carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties that are comparatively more powerful than the majority of plasma carotenoids. When foodstuffs containing lycopene are processed, the cell wall breaks down during the thermal process—thus enabling the extraction of lycopene from chromoplasts, improving their bioavailability. Edible mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis stands out given its medicinal properties and antioxidant potential when used to treat heart diseases and to prevent cancer. Given the interest in lycopene-rich foods, the purpose of the present study was to determine the lycopene present in different types of tomato sauce with A. brasiliensis and/or its extract by high-performance liquid chromatography. The type of solvent (dichloromethane, hexane and ethanol) to remove water from the tomato sauce was tested before the extraction of carotenoids. Lycopene determination in tomato sauces, in tomatoes and in the A. brasiliensis extract was carried out via high-performance liquid chromatography. Findings show that when tomato sauce and raw materials underwent heat treatment, the type of treatment did not interfere with carotenoid and lycopene bioavailability—indicating that those sauces have a significant concentration of carotenoids and, in particular, their content in the lycopene proportion compared with total carotenoids.