Clinically Proven Lyc-O-Mato Lycopene Extracted from GMO-Free Tomatoes
Lycopene is a bright red pigment related to beta-carotene, but which is much more efficient as an antioxidant. The tomato is the richest common natural source and its lycopene becomes more bioavailable when the vegetable is cooked with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil.
High levels of lycopene consumption and high blood levels of lycopene consistently have been associated in research studies with support for prostate health, and with the promotion of proper cell replication in the tissues of the digestive tract.
Studies have indicated that lycopene offers protection against age-related macular degeneration (i.e. damage to the eyes), against sun damage to the skin, and even against a decline in our abilities to function independently as we grow older. The protective mechanism usually proposed is antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging. Compared with beta-carotene, lycopene is better at scavenging radicals, such as lipid peroxy radicals, and in vitro studies suggest that it is even better than Vitamin E in this role.
Lycopene is the most abundant carotene found in the blood and has been associated with protection of LDL cholesterol against free radical damage, and therefore support for heart health. In addition, lycopene is ten times better at maintaining proper cell replication than is Vitamin E.
Lycopene for Maintaining Cellular Health
This tomato-derived carotenoid may support proper cell replication regulation by activating special enzymes which function to eliminate toxins. When Israeli researchers incubated breast and liver cells with lycopene, they found this stimulated the production of phase II detoxification enzymes. Phase II enzymes help the body to rid itself of toxic substances.
It has been proposed that the expression of phase II enzymes is regulated by an "antioxidant response element" (ARE) and that this element is involved in helping the body maintain normal cell replication. In the Israeli tests, the carotenoids astaxanthin, beta-carotene and phytoene had no effect. This suggested to the researchers that activation of ARE by carotenoids is not related solely to antioxidant properties, although the other carotenoids might enhance phase II detoxification by different means.
Prostate Protection
Lycopene has been shown to be particularly effective in supporting the health of the prostate. The carotenoid is found in high concentrations in that gland. Aside from activation phase II detoxification enzymes, this tomato product also may influence male hormone regulation.
In a study published in early 2004, lycopene was shown to interfere with local androgen activation by down-regulating 5-alpha-reductase, the key enzyme for the transformation of testosterone into dehydrotestosterone, the form of the hormone that binds most activity to prostate cells. As a consequence, the expression of androgen-regulated target genes was also reduced.
In addition, lycopene decreased the expression of two prostatic cytokines, IGF-I and IL-6, both of which are associated with cellular transformations. In this study, Vitamin E also was found to reduce androgen signaling without affecting androgen metabolism.
Benefits to the urinary tract extend beyond the prostate alone. Recently, researchers in a survey entitled an "Association between serum concentrations of micronutrients and lower urinary tract symptoms in older men in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey" (Urology 2004:64:504-509) noted that lycopene was inversely associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) In this analysis, men with a higher serum concentration of lycopene had about one half the odds of LUTS compared with men with the lowest concentration. It was suggested that this reflects a role for lycopene in reducing not only DNA damage, but levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).
Women's Health
Although this carotenoid has been most researched as an adjuvant to men's health, recent research indicates that women should take a second look at lycopene.
In findings announced in April 2004, scientists from Firat University in Turkey, the University of Maryland and Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit using an animal model looked at changes in cellular tissues associated with the female reproductive system rather than that of males.
Lycopene supplementation significantly protected the regulation of cellular replication and had a positive effect on serum concentrations of Vitamins C, E and A, homocysteine and malondialdehyde (MDA). Source: Jarrow Formulas View our Selection of Products
Scientific References
Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1995 Dec 6; 87(23):1767-76.
Francheschi S. et al. Tomatoes and risk of digestive-tract cancers. Int J Cancer. 1994; 59:181-4.
Wohlmuth H. Lycopene - A short review. Botanical Pathways. 1997; 1(3)6-7.
Levy J. Lycopene research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. (www.aacr.org). March 27-31, 2004, Orlando, FL.
Etminan M, Takkouche B, Caamano-Isoma F. The role of tomato products and lycopene in the prevention of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer Epidermiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Mach; 13(3): 340-5.
U. Silier, L. Barella, V. Spitzer, J. Schnorr, M. Lein, R. Goralcyzk, K. Wertz, FASEB J (2004) dol: 10. 1096/fj.03-116fje. (online edition FASEB J)
Boileau, TA, Liao Z, Lemeshow S, Erdman JW, Jr, Clinton SK. Prostate carcinogenesis in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-testosterone-treated rats fed tomato powder, lycopene, or energy-restricted diets. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 Nov 5; 95(21): 1578-86.
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