Lycopene
Lycopene is a tomato carotenoid studied for prostate, cardiovascular, and antioxidant-related outcomes.
Overview
What is lycopene?
Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon and apricots. Eating more foods containing lycopene can change the color of skin and improve skin-tone.
Dosage
A typical dose of lycopene is 20-50 mg per day.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
41 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most lycopene research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Prostate cancer accounts for 25 of 129 studies (19%).
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 10 of 129 studies (8%).
- Cervical cancer accounts for 7 of 129 studies (5%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Asthma, Male infertility, Stomach cancer.
Dietary Sources
Top dietary sources
Ranked by amount per 100 g
Top dietary sources of lycopene include:
- 5204 mcg100 g
- 4532 mcg100 g
- 3041 mcg100 g
- 1828 mcg100 g
- 1419 mcg100 g
- 484 mcg100 g
- 159 mcg100 g
- 30 mcg100 g
Safety
Oral lycopene is likely safe at 20-50 mg per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources115 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Prostate cancer
25 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Effects of natural extract interventions in prostate cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis2024
A network meta-analysis of 28 RCTs (1,566 prostate cancer patients) ranked silybin with or without selenium highest for reducing PSA and IGF-1; lycopene-based extracts did not rank among top interventions.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — The effect of lycopene supplement from different sources on prostate specific antigen (PSA): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022
A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs found lycopene or tomato extract supplementation did not significantly change PSA levels vs control (WMD −0.12 ng/mL, 95% CI −0.62 to 0.38, p=0.64).
4.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Increased dietary and circulating lycopene are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis2017
A meta-analysis of 42 studies (43,851 prostate cancer cases) found higher dietary and circulating lycopene associated with 12% lower prostate cancer risk (RR 0.88), with each additional 2 mg/day dietary lycopene linked to 1% lower risk.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial2015
The AREDS2 RCT found omega-3 or lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation for ~5 years did not slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of AMD.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Serum lycopene concentration and prostate cancer risk: results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial2011
A nested case-control analysis of 1,683 prostate cancer cases in the PCPT trial found no overall association between serum lycopene and prostate cancer risk across Gleason score subgroups.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Serum levels of folate, lycopene, β-carotene, retinol and vitamin E and prostate cancer risk2010
A prospective nested case-control study found null associations between serum folate, lycopene, beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin E, and subsequent prostate cancer development.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Diet, supplement use, and prostate cancer risk: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial2010
An analysis of 9,559 men in the PCPT trial found neither dietary nor supplemental lycopene significantly associated with prostate cancer risk, including high-grade disease.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Lycopene for advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer: a prospective, open phase II pilot study2009
A 6-month open-label phase II study of 18 men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer given 15 mg/day lycopene found 29% had stable PSA and no patient achieved >50% PSA reduction; 5 of 17 discontinued for progression.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — A combination of tomato and soy products for men with recurring prostate cancer and rising prostate specific antigen2008
An 8-week RCT of 41 men with recurrent prostate cancer found tomato and soy supplementation (≥25 mg/day lycopene) reduced VEGF and produced PSA declines in 34%, though not designed for clinical endpoints.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — A tomato-based, lycopene-containing intervention for androgen-independent prostate cancer: results of a Phase II study from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group2007
A phase II study of 46 androgen-independent prostate cancer patients given 15 mg lycopene twice daily found only 1 partial PSA response (2%) and concluded lycopene was not effective for this population.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Phase I–II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy2006
A dose-escalation trial of 36 men with biochemical prostate cancer recurrence given 15–120 mg/day lycopene for 1 year found no PSA responses and 37% had PSA progression, though treatment was well tolerated.
12.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Lycopene as a chemopreventive agent in the treatment of high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia2005
A 2-year RCT of 40 men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia found 4 mg lycopene twice daily reduced progression to prostate cancer vs periodic follow-up alone.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — The role of tomato products and lycopene in the prevention of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies2004
A meta-analysis of 21 observational studies found high cooked tomato product intake associated with 19% lower prostate cancer risk (RR 0.81), with modest effects requiring high consumption levels.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Lycopene: a novel drug therapy in hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer2004
An open-label study of 20 men with hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer given 10 mg/day lycopene for 3 months found 1 complete and 6 partial PSA responses (35%), with 62% reporting reduced analgesic use.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Prospective study of antioxidant micronutrients in the blood and the risk of developing prostate cancer2003
A nested case-control study of 182 prostate cancer cases across two cohorts did not replicate prior lycopene-protective findings, though gamma-tocopherol showed a possible inverse association in one cohort.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — A comparison of lycopene and orchidectomy vs orchidectomy alone in the management of advanced prostate cancer2003
An RCT of 54 men with metastatic prostate cancer found lycopene (2 mg twice daily) plus orchidectomy produced higher complete PSA response (78% vs 40%) and lower mortality (13% vs 22%) vs orchidectomy alone over 2 years.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Inverse associations between plasma lycopene and other carotenoids and prostate cancer2001
A case-control study of 65 prostate cancer patients found highest-quartile plasma lycopene associated with 83% lower prostate cancer odds (OR 0.17) vs lowest quartile after multivariate adjustment.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Phase II randomized clinical trial of lycopene supplementation before radical prostatectomy2001
A 3-week pre-prostatectomy RCT of 26 men found 15 mg lycopene twice daily associated with cancer-free surgical margins in 73% vs 18% on placebo and reduced diffuse high-grade PIN involvement.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Oxidative DNA damage in prostate cancer patients consuming tomato sauce-based entrees as a whole-food intervention2001
A 3-week dietary intervention of 32 prostate cancer patients consuming tomato sauce (30 mg/day lycopene) before prostatectomy reduced leukocyte and prostate tissue oxidative DNA damage and lowered PSA.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Prostate cancer and dietary carotenoids2000
A New Zealand case-control study of 317 prostate cancer cases found lycopene-rich foods weakly associated with reduced prostate cancer risk, while beta-carotene-rich vegetables were not protective.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Diet and cancer of the prostate: a case-control study in Greece1999
A Greek case-control study of 320 prostate cancer cases found cooked tomatoes inversely associated with prostate cancer risk, alongside marginally higher dairy and lipid intake as positive associations.
22.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Serum and tissue lycopene and biomarkers of oxidation in prostate cancer patients: a case-control study1999
A case-control study of 12 prostate cancer patients found 44% lower serum and 78% lower tissue lycopene vs controls, with no significant differences in other carotenoids.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Serum micronutrients and prostate cancer in Japanese Americans in Hawaii1997
A nested case-control study of 142 Japanese-American men followed >20 years found no micronutrient, including lycopene, strongly associated with prostate cancer risk.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer1995
A prospective cohort of 47,894 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found only lycopene intake among carotenoids associated with lower non-stage-A1 prostate cancer risk (RR 0.79, highest vs lowest quintile).
25.SupplementDEX Database: Prostate cancer — Serologic precursors of cancer. Retinol, carotenoids, and tocopherol and risk of prostate cancer1990
A nested case-control study of 103 prostate cancer cases over 13 years found an inverse trend between serum retinol and prostate cancer risk (OR 0.40, highest vs lowest quartile), but no significant associations for lycopene or tocopherol.
SupplementDEX Database · Type 2 diabetes
3 references26.SupplementDEX Database: Type 2 diabetes — Effect of Lycopene Intake on the Fasting Blood Glucose Level: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 11 trial arms (n=750) found lycopene intake trended toward lower fasting blood glucose (SMD −0.15, p=0.05), with a significant reduction in type 2 diabetes patients (SMD −0.37, n=152).
27.SupplementDEX Database: Type 2 diabetes — Associations of Serum Carotenoids With Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From NHANES2022
In 3,107 adults with type 2 diabetes, higher serum beta-carotene was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.47 top vs bottom quartile); lutein/zeaxanthin showed no significant association.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Type 2 diabetes — The consumption of lycopene and tomato-based food products is not associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in women2006
A prospective cohort of 35,783 women followed ~10 years found no association between dietary lycopene or tomato product intake and type 2 diabetes risk across quintiles.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and carotenoids and risk of age-related maculopathy2004
A prospective cohort of 118,428 adults found higher fruit, vegetable, and carotenoid intake associated with lower age-related maculopathy risk over 12–18 years.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary antioxidant intake and incidence of early age-related maculopathy: the Blue Mountains Eye Study2002
In 1,989 Blue Mountains Eye Study participants, 5-year dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was not associated with incident early ARM; higher vitamin C intake paradoxically increased early ARM risk.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Serum antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration in a population-based case-control study1995
In 167 AMD case-control pairs, serum lutein/zeaxanthin levels were unrelated to ARM, though lowest-quintile lycopene doubled ARM odds.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group1994
The Eye Disease Case-Control Study of 356 AMD cases and 520 controls found higher carotenoid and vitamin C/E intake associated with lower neovascular AMD risk.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Antioxidant status and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group1993
In 421 neovascular AMD cases versus 615 controls, medium and high carotenoid levels were associated with markedly reduced AMD risk, with a significant combined antioxidant index effect.
SupplementDEX Database · All-cause mortality
1 reference34.SupplementDEX Database: All-cause mortality — Dietary Intake of Tomato and Lycopene and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Results From a Prospective Study2021
A prospective study of 101,781 US adults in the PLCO trial found higher raw tomato, tomato catsup, and moderate lycopene intake associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality over 1.67 million person-years of follow-up.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — Intakes of vitamin C and carotenoids and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: pooled results from 5 cohort studies2013
A pooled analysis of 5 cohorts (1,153 ALS deaths) found no clear association between carotenoid or vitamin C intake and ALS risk.
SupplementDEX Database · Asthma
2 references36.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2007-20122022
An NHANES cross-section of 13,039 adults found higher total carotenoid intake associated with lower asthma prevalence.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Manipulating antioxidant intake in asthma: a randomized controlled trial2012
In 137 asthmatic adults, a high-antioxidant fruit and vegetable diet for 14 days improved lung function and reduced exacerbation risk versus a low-antioxidant diet; lycopene supplements added to the low-antioxidant diet showed no additional benefit.
SupplementDEX Database · Atherosclerosis
5 references38.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Lycopene and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis2011
In 120 adults, those with ultrasonic carotid atherosclerosis had significantly lower plasma lycopene concentrations than those without evidence of disease.
39.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Inverse association between carotid intima-media thickness and the antioxidant lycopene in atherosclerosis2002
In 33 adults including hypertensive patients with peripheral vascular disease, plasma lycopene was inversely correlated with carotid intima-media thickness (r = 0.42, p = 0.014) independent of LDL and insulin.
40.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Serum carotenoids and atherosclerosis. The Rotterdam Study2000
In the Rotterdam Study, higher serum lycopene was inversely associated with aortic atherosclerosis (OR 0.55 top vs bottom quartile), especially in current and former smokers; lutein/zeaxanthin showed no association.
41.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Relation of consumption of vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids to risk for stroke among men in the United States1999
In 43,738 US men followed 8 years, higher lutein intake showed a nonsignificant inverse association with ischemic stroke; vitamin E, vitamin C, and other carotenoids were not significantly protective.
42.SupplementDEX Database: Atherosclerosis — Lycopene and myocardial infarction risk in the EURAMIC Study1997
In the EURAMIC multicenter case-control study, adipose tissue lycopene remained independently protective against myocardial infarction (OR 0.52 for 90th vs 10th percentile) after adjusting for other carotenoids.
43.SupplementDEX Database: Benign prostatic hyperplasia — FruHis significantly increases the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia effect of lycopene: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial2022
A double-blinded randomized trial in 52 BPH patients comparing 25 mg/day lycopene + 10 mg/day FruHis vs lycopene alone, FruHis alone or placebo for 8 weeks; the lycopene + FruHis group showed greater reductions in IGF-1, total PSA and symptom scores, suggesting FruHis potentiates lycopene’s effects.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Benign prostatic hyperplasia — Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium versus tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. An Italian multicenter double-blinded randomized study between single or combination therapy (PROCOMB trial)2014
In 225 men with LUTS/BPH, Serenoa repens plus lycopene and selenium combined with tamsulosin significantly improved IPSS, Qmax, and PVR at 6 and 12 months versus monotherapies.
45.SupplementDEX Database: Benign prostatic hyperplasia — A phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy2013
In 57 men with BPH, 3 months of ProstateEZE Max (containing lycopene) significantly reduced IPSS by 36% and daytime urinary frequency versus placebo.
46.SupplementDEX Database: Benign prostatic hyperplasia — Lycopene inhibits disease progression in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia2008
In 40 men with BPH, lycopene 15 mg/day for 6 months significantly reduced PSA, prevented prostate enlargement on ultrasound, and improved IPSS symptom scores versus placebo.
47.SupplementDEX Database: Benign prostatic hyperplasia — Intake of selected micronutrients and the risk of surgically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia: a case-control study from Italy2006
In 1,369 surgically treated BPH cases versus 1,451 controls in Italy, higher carotene intake was associated with lower BPH risk; lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin showed no meaningful associations.
SupplementDEX Database · Bladder cancer
4 references48.SupplementDEX Database: Bladder cancer — Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature1999
A review of 72 epidemiologic studies found 57 reported inverse associations between tomato/lycopene intake or blood levels and cancer risk, with strongest evidence for prostate, lung, and stomach cancers.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Bladder cancer — Nutrient intake in relation to bladder cancer among middle-aged men and women1996
In 262 bladder cancer cases versus 405 controls, higher dietary retinol and vitamin C and multivitamin use were associated with lower bladder cancer risk; carotenoids were not individually highlighted.
50.SupplementDEX Database: Bladder cancer — Diet and bladder cancer in Spain: a multi-centre case-control study1991
In a Spanish multicentre bladder cancer case-control study, high saturated fat intake increased risk; vitamin E showed a nonsignificant protective trend and retinol/carotene showed no association.
51.SupplementDEX Database: Bladder cancer — Selenium, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, and subsequent bladder cancer1989
In 35 bladder cancer cases from a 25,802-person cohort followed 12 years, lower baseline serum selenium and borderline lower lycopene were associated with higher bladder cancer risk.
SupplementDEX Database · Brain tumor
1 reference52.SupplementDEX Database: Brain tumor — Lycopene in treatment of high-grade gliomas: a pilot study2010
In 50 high-grade glioma patients receiving radiotherapy plus paclitaxel, lycopene 8 mg/day raised plasma lycopene and showed nonsignificant trends toward better response and longer time to progression versus placebo.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — The effects of lycopene supplementation on serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and cardiovascular disease: A dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials2021
A dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials found that overall lycopene supplementation did not significantly reduce IGF-1 levels (WMD = −6.74 ng/mL; 95% CI: −23.01 to 9.52; p = 0.42), though subgroup analyses showed significant reductions at doses ≥15 mg/day, for <12 weeks and in adults ≥60 yrs.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Effect of Dietary and Supplemental Lycopene on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 lycopene intervention trials (doses 1.44–75 mg/day) found no significant pooled effects on blood pressure or lipids compared with control groups.
55.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Lycopene and tomato and risk of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence2019
A meta-analysis of 25 observational studies found highest lycopene intake or serum levels associated with 26% lower stroke risk, 14% lower CVD risk, and 37% lower mortality risk in adults.
56.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Tomato and lycopene supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis2017
A meta-analysis of 21 tomato/lycopene intervention trials found tomato supplementation reduced LDL cholesterol (−0.22 mmol/L), IL-6, and improved flow-mediated dilation, while lycopene alone reduced systolic BP by 5.66 mmHg.
57.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Plasma lycopene, other carotenoids, and retinol and the risk of cardiovascular disease in women2004
A nested case-control study of 483 women in the Women's Health Study found higher plasma lycopene associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk (RR 0.66 for upper vs lower half of lycopene levels over 4.8 years).
58.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Plasma carotenoids and tocopherols and risk of myocardial infarction in a low-risk population of US male physicians2003
A nested case-control study of 531 male physicians followed up to 13 years found no overall protective association between baseline plasma carotenoids or tocopherols and subsequent myocardial infarction risk.
59.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Dietary lycopene, tomato-based food products and cardiovascular disease in women2003
A prospective cohort of 39,876 women over 7.2 years found frequent tomato sauce intake (≥2 servings/week) associated with 32% lower CVD risk, though dietary lycopene quintiles alone showed no significant trend.
60.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — Antioxidant state and mortality from coronary heart disease in Lithuanian and Swedish men: concomitant cross sectional study of men aged 501997
A cross-sectional study of 50-year-old men in Lithuania vs Sweden found lower plasma lycopene (327 vs 615 nmol/L) and beta-carotene alongside shorter LDL oxidation lag time in the higher CHD-mortality Lithuanian group.
SupplementDEX Database · Cataracts
4 references61.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Blood levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and retinol are inversely associated with cataract in a North Indian population2008
A case-control study of 1,112 adults aged ≥50 in North India found lower blood vitamin C, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, retinol, and lycopene inversely associated with cataract risk.
62.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men1999
In 36,644 US men followed 8 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 19% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.81) versus the lowest quintile.
63.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women1999
In 77,466 US women followed 12 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 22% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.78) versus the lowest quintile.
64.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Serum carotenoids and tocopherols and incidence of age-related nuclear cataract1999
A longitudinal study of 400 adults aged 50–86 in the Beaver Dam Eye Study found higher total serum tocopherol associated with lower nuclear cataract risk (OR 0.4, tertile 3 vs 1), but carotenoids including lycopene were not significantly associated.
SupplementDEX Database · Cervical cancer
7 references65.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — Diet and serum micronutrients in relation to cervical neoplasia and cancer among low-income Brazilian women2010
A hospital-based case-control study of 605 Brazilian women found higher serum lycopene inversely associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1–3 and invasive cancer, with OR 0.18 for highest vs lowest tertile for invasive cancer.
66.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — Relationship of serum antioxidant micronutrients and sociodemographic factors to cervical neoplasia: a case-control study2009
A multi-center case-control study of 862 Korean women found significantly lower serum beta-carotene, lycopene, and alpha-tocopherol in cervical cancer patients, with inverse dose-response trends across neoplasia severity.
67.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — Dietary intake and blood levels of lycopene: association with cervical dysplasia among non-Hispanic, black women1998
A case-control study of 32 Black women with cervical dysplasia found upper-tertile dietary lycopene and vitamin A intake associated with roughly one-third the odds of dysplasia, though results did not reach conventional significance.
68.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — The relations between cervical cancer and serological markers of nutritional status1994
A Latin American case-control study of cervical cancer found lower serum lycopene, retinol, and lutein in cases, with some nutrients showing stage-related trends suggesting possible disease effects on blood levels.
69.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — Serum micronutrients and the subsequent risk of cervical cancer in a population-based nested case-control study1993
A nested case-control study of 15,161 women followed 1975–1990 found lower prediagnostic serum carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene) associated with higher cervical cancer risk (OR up to 3.1 for lowest vs highest tertile).
70.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — Dietary and serum carotenoids and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia1991
A matched case-control study of 102 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia found lowest-quartile serum and dietary lycopene associated with 3.5–5.8-fold higher CIN odds compared with highest quartile.
71.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — A case-control study of nutrient status and invasive cervical cancer. II. Serologic indicators1991
A case-control study of 387 invasive cervical cancer cases across four Latin American countries found higher beta-carotene associated with lower risk (adjusted OR 0.72, highest vs lowest quartile) after adjusting for HPV and other confounders.
72.SupplementDEX Database: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome — Treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIA with Serenoa repens plus selenium and lycopene (Profluss) versus S. repens alone: an Italian randomized multicenter-controlled study2010
An 8-week RCT of 102 men with category IIIA chronic prostatitis found Serenoa repens plus selenium and lycopene (Profluss) reduced NIH-CPSI scores by 52% vs 26% with Serenoa repens alone.
73.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Long-Term Intake of Dietary Carotenoids Is Positively Associated with Late-Life Subjective Cognitive Function in a Prospective Study in US Women2020
A prospective cohort of ~49,000 US women followed up to 28 years found highest vs lowest quintile of total carotenoid intake associated with 33% lower odds of poor subjective cognitive function in later life.
SupplementDEX Database · Colorectal cancer
4 references74.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Lycopene Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies2016
A meta-analysis of 15 observational studies found no significant association between lycopene intake and overall colorectal cancer risk (RR 0.94), though colon cancer specifically showed a modest inverse association (RR 0.88).
75.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Dietary carotenoids and risk of colorectal cancer in a pooled analysis of 11 cohort studies2007
A pooled analysis of 11 cohorts (702,647 participants) found no consistent association between lutein/zeaxanthin intake and colorectal cancer risk.
76.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Carotenoids and colon cancer2000
In 4,343 colorectal cancer cases and controls, higher dietary lutein intake was inversely associated with colon cancer risk (OR 0.83), especially in younger patients and proximal colon tumors.
77.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Food consumption and cancer of the colon and rectum in north-eastern Italy1992
An Italian case-control study of 248 colorectal cancer cases found higher tomato consumption associated with roughly 50% lower colon and 60% lower rectal cancer odds compared with lowest intake.
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
1 reference78.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — The Association between Dietary Carotenoid Intake and Risk of Depression among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disease2023
In 8,655 US adults with cardiometabolic disease, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower depression odds (OR 0.69 for highest vs lowest tertile), with a U-shaped relation for total carotenoids.
SupplementDEX Database · Esophageal cancer
1 reference79.SupplementDEX Database: Esophageal cancer — Carotenoid intake and esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis2013
A meta-analysis found higher intake of lutein/zeaxanthin and other carotenoids was associated with lower esophageal cancer risk (pooled OR 0.71 for lutein/zeaxanthin).
SupplementDEX Database · Helicobacter pylori
1 reference80.SupplementDEX Database: Helicobacter pylori — Lycopene an adjunctive therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a quasi-control trial2012
A quasi-controlled trial in 54 patients with confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection where one group received standard quadruple antibiotic therapy and the other group received the same therapy plus 30 mg/day of Lycopene; though the eradication rate was higher in the lycopene-added group, the difference was not statistically significant.
SupplementDEX Database · High blood pressure
6 references81.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effect of carotenoid supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2025
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (total N = 1,151) showing that carotenoid supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (WMD ≈ –2.49 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD ≈ –1.60 mmHg) in adults, with stronger effects in participants aged > 50 yrs, baseline SBP ≥ 130 mmHg/DBP ≥ 80 mmHg, and doses >10 mg.
82.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effect of tomato, lycopene and related products on blood pressure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis2021
A network meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (n=617 for SBP) found standardized tomato extract reduced systolic BP by 5.89 mmHg overall and by 8.09 mmHg in hypertensive subgroups vs placebo.
83.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Effect of Tomato Nutrient Complex on Blood Pressure: A Double Blind, Randomized Dose-Response Study2019
An 8-week double-blind RCT of 130 adults aged 35–60 found tomato nutrient complex at 15 or 30 mg lycopene/day significantly reduced systolic BP, while 5 mg lycopene or synthetic lycopene alone did not.
84.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — The effects of natural antioxidants from tomato extract in treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients2009
A 6-week crossover RCT of 50 treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients found tomato extract reduced systolic BP from ~146 to 132 mmHg and diastolic BP from ~82 to 78 mmHg vs no change on placebo.
85.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Circulating carotenoid concentrations and incident hypertension: the CARDIA study2009
A 20-year prospective cohort of 4,412 young adults in CARDIA found higher sum of four carotenoids (not lycopene alone) associated with 9–16% lower hypertension incidence.
86.SupplementDEX Database: High blood pressure — Dark chocolate or tomato extract for prehypertension: a randomized controlled trial2008
In 36 prehypertensive adults over 12 weeks, 50 g/day dark chocolate or tomato extract did not significantly lower blood pressure versus placebo.
87.SupplementDEX Database: Human papillomavirus (HPV) — Effect of plasma micronutrients on clearance of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (United States)2003
A prospective cohort of 84 women followed ~10 months found higher trans- and cis-lycopene associated with faster clearance of oncogenic HPV infection (adjusted HR 2.79 and 2.92 for highest vs lowest tertile).
SupplementDEX Database · Hyperlipidemia
4 references88.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Cardiovascular and Osteoporosis Protection at Menopause with Lycopene: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial2022
A multi-centre, double-blind randomized clinical trial in 198 post-menopausal women, where supplementation with 8 mg lycopene (≈ 24 mg antioxidant equivalent) for 6 months significantly increased serum lycopene and bone formation marker P1NP, with a trend toward reduced bone resorption marker β-CTx; cardiovascular lipid and CRP markers showed directional improvements.
89.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Markers of Endothelial Function in Iranian Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial2022
A randomized clinical trial in 50 patients with ischemic heart failure (HFrEF) comparing 25 mg/day lycopene vs placebo for 8 weeks found significant reductions in triglycerides and improvements in endothelial function (flow mediated dilation) in the lycopene group; no changes were seen in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, SBP or DBP.
90.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effects of lycopene intake on HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels: A systematic review with meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of 12 trial arms (n=781) found lycopene supplementation significantly increased HDL cholesterol (SMD 0.33) but did not significantly change triglyceride levels vs control.
91.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — Effect of 12-Week Daily Intake of the High-Lycopene Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), A Variety Named “PR-7”, on Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study2019
A 12-week double-blind RCT of 74 Japanese adults with LDL ≥120 mg/dL found daily intake of high-lycopene tomato variety PR-7 (50 g/day) significantly reduced LDL cholesterol vs placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Male infertility
2 references92.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility — Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical intervention on sperm quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis2023
A network meta-analysis of RCTs on non-pharmaceutical male infertility interventions found lycopene significantly improved sperm concentration (MD 8.79) and total motility (MD 19.91) vs placebo.
93.SupplementDEX Database: Male infertility — Lycopene therapy in idiopathic male infertility – a preliminary report2002
A 3-month pilot study of 30 men with idiopathic infertility given 2,000 mcg lycopene twice daily found 66% improved sperm concentration, 53% improved motility, and 23% achieved pregnancy.
SupplementDEX Database · Muscle recovery
1 reference94.SupplementDEX Database: Muscle recovery — Effect of 4-Week Ingestion of Tomato-Based Carotenoids on Exercise-Induced Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Oxidative Stress in Endurance Runners2018
A 4-week crossover RCT in endurance runners found tomato-based carotenoid supplementation attenuated post-exercise myoglobin rise but did not significantly reduce creatine kinase, IL-6, or oxidative stress markers.
SupplementDEX Database · Leukoplakia
1 reference95.SupplementDEX Database: Leukoplakia — Efficacy of oral lycopene in the treatment of oral leukoplakia2004
A 3-month RCT of 58 patients with oral leukoplakia found 4–8 mg/day lycopene produced 66–80% clinical lesion regression vs 12.5% on placebo, with significant histological improvement.
96.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) — Efficacy of Lycopene in the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2020
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (758 patients) found lycopene significantly improved maximum mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis vs placebo (MD 3.15 mm) over 1–3 months, but did not significantly reduce burning sensation or pain.
97.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) — Comparison of therapeutic response of lycopene and curcumin in oral submucous fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial2019
A 6-month RCT of 90 oral submucous fibrosis patients found both 300 mg curcumin twice daily and 8 mg lycopene twice daily significantly improved mouth opening and symptoms vs placebo, with similar efficacy between treatments.
98.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) — A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of lycopene and curcumin in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A randomized clinical trial2018
A 3-month RCT of 60 oral submucous fibrosis patients found 4 mg/day lycopene and 300 mg curcumin three times daily both eliminated burning sensation and improved mouth opening from ~3.2 to 3.5 cm, with no significant between-group difference.
99.SupplementDEX Database: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) — Efficacy of lycopene in the management of oral submucous fibrosis2007
A 2-month RCT of 58 oral submucous fibrosis patients found 16 mg/day lycopene alone or with intralesional steroids increased mouth opening by 3.4–4.6 mm vs no change on placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Osteoporosis
1 reference100.SupplementDEX Database: Osteoporosis — Dietary carotenoid intake and osteoporosis: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-20182021
A cross-sectional NHANES analysis of adults aged ≥50 found higher beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin intake associated with lower osteoporosis odds (OR 0.33 and 0.61, highest vs lowest quintile), but lycopene intake showed no significant association.
SupplementDEX Database · Ovarian cancer
3 references101.SupplementDEX Database: Ovarian cancer — Intake of the major carotenoids and the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in a pooled analysis of 10 cohort studies2006
A pooled analysis of 10 cohorts (521,911 women, 2,012 ovarian cancer cases) found no significant association between intake of lycopene or other major carotenoids and epithelial ovarian cancer risk.
102.SupplementDEX Database: Ovarian cancer — Carotenoids, antioxidants and ovarian cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal women2001
A case-control study of 549 ovarian cancer cases and 516 controls found higher dietary lycopene inversely associated with ovarian cancer risk, especially in premenopausal women, along with alpha-carotene.
103.SupplementDEX Database: Ovarian cancer — Prospective study of serum micronutrients and ovarian cancer1996
A nested case-control study of 35 ovarian cancer cases and 67 controls found no significant association between prediagnostic serum carotenoids including lycopene and subsequent ovarian cancer development.
SupplementDEX Database · Pancreatic cancer
1 reference104.SupplementDEX Database: Pancreatic cancer — Dietary intake of lycopene is associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk2005
A Canadian case-control study of 462 pancreatic cancer cases and 4,721 controls found men in the highest lycopene intake quartile had 31% lower pancreatic cancer risk (OR 0.69) vs lowest quartile.
SupplementDEX Database · Parkinson's disease
1 reference105.SupplementDEX Database: Parkinson's disease — Vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis of 13 epidemiologic studies found no significant overall association between lutein intake or blood levels and Parkinson's disease risk, though case-control data suggested a possible inverse lutein association.
SupplementDEX Database · Pre-eclampsia
3 references106.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Dietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case-control study2022
In 440 preeclampsia cases and 440 matched controls in China, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower preeclampsia odds (OR 0.32 highest vs lowest quartile).
107.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Trial of lycopene to prevent pre-eclampsia in healthy primigravidas: results show some adverse effects2009
An RCT of 159 healthy primigravidas given 2 mg/day lycopene vs placebo found no difference in pre-eclampsia rates (~18%) but higher preterm labor (10.4% vs 1.2%) and low birthweight (22% vs 10%) in the lycopene group.
108.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas2003
An RCT of 251 primigravidas found 2 mg lycopene twice daily reduced pre-eclampsia (8.6% vs 17.7%), intrauterine growth retardation (12% vs 23.7%), and increased mean fetal weight (2,751 vs 2,657 g) vs placebo.
109.SupplementDEX Database: Renal cell carcinoma — Micronutrients and the risk of renal cell cancer: a case-control study from Italy2007
An Italian case-control study of 767 renal cell cancer cases found no meaningful association between lycopene intake and RCC risk (OR 1.11), while vitamin E and C showed significant inverse associations.
SupplementDEX Database · Stomach cancer
2 references110.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach cancer — Not all carotenoids can reduce the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis2024
A meta-analysis found case-control studies linked lutein to lower gastric cancer risk, but cohort studies and RCT evidence did not support carotenoid supplementation for gastric cancer prevention.
111.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach cancer — Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin Intake and Stomach Cancer in Vietnamese Men: A Pilot Case-Control Study2022
A pilot case-control study of 80 stomach cancer cases and 146 Vietnamese male controls found highest-tertile trans-lycopene intake associated with 85% lower stomach cancer odds (OR 0.15) after adjusting for H. pylori status.
SupplementDEX Database · UV-induced skin damage
4 references112.SupplementDEX Database: UV-induced skin damage — The effect of tomato and lycopene on clinical characteristics and molecular markers of UV-induced skin deterioration: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials2023
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 intervention trials found tomato and lycopene supplementation reduced UV-induced skin erythema, pigmentation, and MMP-1, and increased minimal erythema dose and skin density.
113.SupplementDEX Database: UV-induced skin damage — Tomato paste rich in lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo: a randomized controlled trial2011
A 12-week RCT of 20 healthy women given 55 g/day tomato paste (16 mg lycopene) found increased minimal erythema dose, reduced UV-induced MMP-1, and less mitochondrial DNA damage vs olive oil control.
114.SupplementDEX Database: UV-induced skin damage — Supplementation with tomato-based products increases lycopene, phytofluene, and phytoene levels in human serum and protects against UV-light-induced erythema2005
A 12-week supplementation study found ~10 mg/day lycopene from tomato extract or drink increased serum lycopene and reduced UV-induced erythema by 25–48% vs synthetic lycopene (25% reduction).
115.SupplementDEX Database: UV-induced skin damage — Dietary tomato paste protects against ultraviolet light-induced erythema in humans2001
A 10-week dietary intervention of 9 volunteers consuming 40 g/day tomato paste (16 mg lycopene) found 40% lower UV-induced erythema at week 10 vs olive-oil-only controls.