Lycopene / Tomato Extract
Solanum lycopersicum
Lycopene is a carotenoid with the strongest epidemiological evidence for prostate cancer prevention of any dietary compound. Multiple meta-analyses show high lycopene intake reduces prostate cancer risk by 30–40%. It also inhibits breast, lung, and endometrial cancer cell growth. Cooked tomatoes (especially with olive oil) dramatically increase lycopene bioavailability.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
15–30 mg lycopene daily. Best from cooked tomatoes with olive oil.
Preparations
Cooked Tomatoes with Olive Oil
2 cups cooked tomato sauce with olive oil daily. Cooking + fat dramatically increases lycopene absorption. Canned tomatoes are excellent.
Lycopene Supplements
15–30 mg standardised lycopene daily if dietary intake insufficient.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Lycopene from whole food is safer and more effective than isolated supplements
- Supplement overdose may cause lycopenemia (skin discolouration — harmless)
- May lower blood pressure in large amounts
- Generally very safe at food amounts
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.