[Effects of lycopene on the skeletal system]

Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2015 Feb 21:69:243-51. doi: 10.5604/17322693.1141099.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Antioxidant substances of plant origin, such as lycopene, may favorably affect the skeletal system. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment, responsible for characteristic red color of tomatoes. It is believed that lycopene may play a role in the prevention of various diseases; despite theoretical premises and results of experimental studies, the effectiveness of lycopene has not yet been clearly demonstrated in studies carried out in humans. The aim of the study was to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of lycopene on the osseous tissue in in vitro and in vivo experimental models and on the skeletal system in humans. Results of the studies indicate that lycopene may inhibit bone resorption. Favorable effects of high doses of lycopene on the rat skeletal system in experimental conditions, including the model of osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency, have been demonstrated. The few epidemiological and clinical studies, although not fully conclusive, suggest a possible beneficial effect of lycopene present in the diet on the skeletal system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Bone Resorption / prevention & control*
  • Carotenoids / analysis
  • Carotenoids / metabolism*
  • Carotenoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Lycopene
  • Models, Animal
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects
  • Osteoclasts / drug effects
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Solanum lycopersicum / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Carotenoids
  • Lycopene