# Lycomato (Lycopene Complex)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lycomato
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Tomato lycopene complex, Standardized lycopene extract, Lycopersicon esculentum lycopene, Tomato carotenoid complex, Industrial lycopene extract, Tomato peel lycopene

## Overview

Lycomato is a patented tomato-derived complex standardized for lycopene, a carotenoid that neutralizes [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through electron donation and singlet oxygen quenching. Its antioxidant activity is measured at approximately 1582 μmol Trolox Equivalents per gram in optimized extracts, positioning it as a concentrated source of [photoprotect](/ingredients/condition/skin-health)ive and skin-supportive compounds.

## Health Benefits

• No specific health benefits for Lycomato have been clinically demonstrated - research focuses only on extraction methods
• General lycopene exhibits [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties with ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity measured at 1582 μmol TE/g in optimized extracts (laboratory evidence only)
• One in vitro study showed lycopene micelles affected human osteoblast-like cell viability (not specific to Lycomato brand)
• No human clinical trials or RCTs exist for this branded ingredient
• Evidence quality: Insufficient - only extraction studies available

## Mechanism of Action

Lycopene, the primary bioactive in Lycomato, quenches singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and scavenges free radicals by donating electrons through its conjugated polyene chain of 11 double bonds, reducing [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in cellular membranes. It modulates the Nrf2/ARE pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase (GPx). Lycopene also attenuates UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in dermal fibroblasts, potentially reducing collagen degradation associated with photoaging.

## Clinical Summary

No published clinical trials have been conducted specifically on the Lycomato branded complex; available research investigates general lycopene or unbranded tomato extracts rather than this proprietary formulation. Laboratory evidence demonstrates an ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity of 1582 μmol TE/g in optimized lycopene extracts, though this is an in vitro measurement and does not confirm equivalent bioactivity in humans. One in vivo study on general lycopene supplementation suggested modest [photoprotect](/ingredients/condition/skin-health)ion against UV-induced erythema, but sample sizes were small and results have not been replicated at scale specifically for Lycomato. The overall clinical evidence base for Lycomato as a distinct ingredient remains insufficient to make definitive efficacy claims.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Not applicable", "fiber": "Not applicable"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts"}, "minerals": {"Potassium": "Trace amounts"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Lycopene": "Approximately 6-15 mg per serving, depending on the formulation", "Beta-carotene": "Trace amounts", "Phytoene": "Trace amounts", "Phytofluene": "Trace amounts"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Lycopene bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats. The complex form may improve absorption compared to isolated lycopene."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Lycomato have been established as no human trials exist. General lycopene extracts from tomato by-products yield concentrations around 4 mg/g dry material, but standardization and dosing protocols are not specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lycopene from tomato-based sources is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at dietary intake levels, and high-dose supplementation up to 75 mg/day has been used in studies without serious adverse events reported. The most commonly noted side effect is lycopenodermia, a benign orange-yellow skin discoloration resulting from excessive intake. Lycopene may have additive effects when combined with other [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) supplements such as vitamin E or beta-carotene, and there is limited evidence suggesting potential interaction with blood-thinning medications due to mild antiplatelet activity. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data specific to high-dose lycopene supplementation during pregnancy is limited.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on Lycomato (Lycopene Complex) were found in the research dossier. Available studies focus exclusively on extraction methodologies rather than clinical outcomes, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for branded Lycomato studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context for Lycomato or tomato lycopene extracts is documented in the available research. The focus is entirely on modern industrial extraction methods from tomato processing by-products.

## Synergistic Combinations

Insufficient data - no synergistic ingredients studied

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Lycomato and how is it different from regular lycopene?

Lycomato is a patented tomato-derived extract standardized to contain lycopene alongside other tomato phytonutrients such as phytoene, phytofluene, and beta-carotene, which may enhance bioavailability compared to isolated lycopene. The complex form is theorized to leverage synergistic antioxidant interactions among these carotenoids, though direct comparative bioavailability trials between Lycomato and isolated lycopene supplements have not been widely published. Consumers seeking lycopene supplementation should look for standardized extracts and confirm the lycopene content per serving on the label.

### Can Lycomato protect skin from UV damage?

General lycopene research indicates it may reduce UV-induced erythema by quenching singlet oxygen generated during UV exposure and suppressing MMP-1 activity, which degrades type I collagen in the dermis. However, no published clinical trials have tested Lycomato specifically for UV photoprotection outcomes in human subjects. Lycopene-based supplements should not be used as a replacement for topical SPF sunscreen, which remains the evidence-backed primary defense against UV radiation.

### What is the recommended dosage of Lycomato for skin health?

There is no established clinical dosage specifically validated for Lycomato in skin health applications, as branded clinical trials are lacking. General lycopene supplementation studies for skin and antioxidant outcomes have used doses ranging from 8 mg to 30 mg of lycopene per day, typically taken with a fat-containing meal to enhance carotenoid absorption. Until Lycomato-specific dosing trials are conducted, following manufacturer label guidance and consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.

### Is Lycomato safe to take long-term?

Lycopene from dietary and supplemental tomato sources has a well-established safety profile at intakes up to approximately 75 mg/day in short-term clinical studies, with no serious adverse effects reported. The primary risk of prolonged high-dose intake is lycopenodermia, a harmless orange skin discoloration that reverses upon reducing intake. Long-term safety data specific to the Lycomato formulation is not available in the published literature, so periodic reassessment with a healthcare provider is recommended for chronic supplementation.

### Does Lycomato have any drug interactions?

Lycopene exhibits mild antiplatelet properties in preliminary research, suggesting a theoretical interaction risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin, though clinical interaction studies are not available for Lycomato specifically. High-dose carotenoid supplements may also interfere with the absorption of other fat-soluble nutrients including vitamin E and beta-carotene when taken simultaneously. Individuals on cholesterol-lowering statins or blood pressure medications should disclose lycopene supplementation to their physician, as carotenoids can modestly influence lipid metabolism pathways.

### What does the research actually show about Lycomato's health benefits?

Current clinical research on Lycomato is limited, with studies primarily focused on extraction and standardization methods rather than direct health outcomes in humans. While general lycopene demonstrates antioxidant activity in laboratory settings (with ABTS radical scavenging activity measured at 1582 μmol TE/g), these in vitro results do not automatically translate to proven benefits in the body. No specific health claims for Lycomato have been clinically demonstrated in human trials, so marketing claims should be viewed cautiously.

### Is Lycomato better absorbed than regular lycopene supplements?

Lycomato is marketed as a standardized lycopene complex, but independent comparative bioavailability studies directly comparing Lycomato to other lycopene forms in humans are not well-established. The proprietary formulation may theoretically improve absorption through extraction methods, but absorption ultimately depends on factors like fat intake, individual gut health, and the specific vehicle used in the supplement. Consumer absorption differences between Lycomato and generic lycopene extracts remain unproven in clinical settings.

### Who should consider taking Lycomato, and are there populations that should avoid it?

Lycomato may be considered by individuals interested in antioxidant supplementation, though the lack of clinical evidence means health benefits are unverified. People with lycopene sensitivities, those taking blood thinners, or individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as lycopene can interact with certain medications and health statuses. Pregnant or nursing women should seek medical guidance before supplementing, given the limited safety data specific to Lycomato.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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