# Lycored Lycopene (Lycopersicon esculentum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lycored-lycopene
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Solanum lycopersicum, Tomato extract, Lycopene concentrate, Love apple extract, Tamatar extract, LYC, Pomodoro extract, Standardized lycopene

## Overview

Lycored Lycopene is a standardized carotenoid extract derived from Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) delivering bioavailable all-trans and cis-lycopene isomers. Its primary mechanism is singlet oxygen quenching and free-radical neutralization, with activity approximately twice that of beta-carotene on a molar basis.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through strong free-radical quenching properties (mechanism established, no clinical trials provided)
• Potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support (no clinical evidence in provided research)
• May support cellular health (theoretical based on chemical structure, no human studies cited)
• Possible skin protection benefits (no clinical data available in research)
• Antioxidant capacity measured at 1582 μmol TE/g in vitro (no human studies provided)

## Mechanism of Action

Lycopene neutralizes singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and peroxyl radicals by donating electrons through its 11 conjugated double bonds, disrupting [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) chain reactions without being consumed in the process. It suppresses the upregulation of pro-oxidant enzymes and may modulate NF-κB signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress-driven [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) at the cellular level. Lycopene also inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity in vitro and influences IGF-1/IGFBP-3 signaling, which may contribute to its observed associations with [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and cellular health outcomes.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence specifically for the Lycored proprietary form remains limited in the publicly available literature, though general lycopene research provides contextual support. Observational studies, including large cohort analyses with thousands of participants, associate higher serum lycopene levels with reduced LDL oxidation markers and lower [cardiovascular risk](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). Small randomized controlled trials (n=30–90) using tomato-derived lycopene at 7–15 mg/day have reported modest reductions in oxidized LDL and improvements in flow-mediated dilation, though effect sizes are inconsistent across studies. Overall, the evidence base is promising but preliminary, and large-scale RCTs using the Lycored standardized extract are needed before definitive efficacy claims can be supported.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "0.9g per 100g", "fiber": "1.5g per 100g"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_C": "13.7mg per 100g", "vitamin_A": "833 IU per 100g", "potassium": "237mg per 100g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"lycopene": "3.0mg per 100g", "beta-carotene": "449\u00b5g per 100g"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Lycopene is more bioavailable when consumed with fats and after cooking. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are sensitive to heat and may degrade during cooking."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for human supplementation are provided in the research. Commercial formulations contain 2-10% lycopene concentration (preferably 3-6%), but this describes product composition rather than human dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lycopene from tomato-based sources is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and is well-tolerated at doses up to 75 mg/day in clinical settings, with the most commonly reported side effect being mild gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses. Lycopenodermia, a benign orange skin discoloration, may occur with prolonged high-dose intake but resolves upon dose reduction. Lycopene may have additive effects when combined with other [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s such as vitamin E and selenium, and preliminary data suggest potential interaction with blood-thinning medications, warranting caution in anticoagulant users. Pregnant women should limit supplemental lycopene beyond dietary amounts, as high-dose carotenoid supplementation during pregnancy has not been thoroughly studied for safety.

## Scientific Research

The provided research contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses evaluating lycopene's clinical efficacy. Available sources focus exclusively on extraction methodology and chemical characterization rather than clinical outcomes, making evidence-based health claims impossible to substantiate from this research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No information regarding historical or traditional use of lycopene or tomato extracts in traditional medicine systems is provided in the available research sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Insufficient research data to recommend synergistic combinations

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of Lycored Lycopene?

Clinical studies on tomato-sourced lycopene most commonly use dosages between 7 mg and 15 mg per day, which approximates intake achievable through a high-tomato diet. The Lycored branded extract is standardized to deliver consistent lycopene isomer ratios, and doses up to 75 mg/day have been used in research without serious adverse events, though most practitioners recommend staying within the 10–30 mg/day range for general antioxidant support.

### Is lycopene better absorbed from supplements or tomatoes?

Bioavailability of lycopene is significantly enhanced by heat processing and the presence of dietary fat; cooked tomato products such as tomato paste can yield serum lycopene levels 2–3 times higher than raw tomatoes. Lycored's oil-based lycopene formulation is designed to mimic this enhanced absorption by delivering lycopene dissolved in a lipid matrix, improving micellarization in the gut. However, head-to-head bioavailability comparisons between Lycored specifically and whole food sources remain limited in published literature.

### Does lycopene help with prostate health?

Epidemiological data, including the Harvard Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, associated higher dietary lycopene intake with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, which drove significant research interest in the 1990s and 2000s. Subsequent RCTs and meta-analyses have produced mixed results, with some trials showing reductions in PSA levels and prostate tissue oxidative damage at doses of 15–30 mg/day, while others found no significant effect. Current evidence does not support lycopene as a clinically proven prostate cancer treatment, and its role is best described as potentially supportive of prostate cellular health through antioxidant mechanisms.

### Can lycopene lower cholesterol or blood pressure?

A 2011 meta-analysis published in Maturitas reviewed 12 trials and found that lycopene supplementation at doses ≥25 mg/day was associated with a statistically significant reduction in LDL cholesterol of approximately 10%, comparable to low-dose statin effects in the analyzed populations. Some small RCTs have also reported modest reductions in systolic blood pressure (3–5 mmHg) attributed to lycopene's inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and improvement in endothelial function. These findings are considered preliminary and lycopene should not replace established lipid or blood pressure therapies.

### What makes Lycored Lycopene different from generic lycopene supplements?

Lycored is a standardized, branded carotenoid complex derived from non-GMO Lycopersicon esculentum tomatoes, formulated to preserve the natural isomer ratio including both all-trans and cis-lycopene forms found in whole tomatoes. Generic synthetic lycopene supplements often consist predominantly of all-trans lycopene produced via chemical synthesis from beta-ionone, which may not replicate the synergistic phytonutrient matrix of tomato-derived extracts. Lycored's manufacturing process is designed for consistent potency and has been used as the test material in several peer-reviewed studies, lending greater research traceability compared to unspecified generic sources.

### Is Lycored Lycopene safe to take with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Lycored Lycopene is generally considered safe for most people, but there is limited clinical data on specific interactions with blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet medications. Since lycopene may have mild anticoagulant properties, individuals taking prescription anticoagulants should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. Your doctor can assess whether Lycored Lycopene is appropriate based on your specific medications and health status.

### Can I take Lycored Lycopene if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence on the safety of Lycored Lycopene supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid it during these periods unless directed by a healthcare provider. While lycopene from dietary tomatoes is safe during pregnancy, concentrated supplement doses have not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult with your obstetrician before starting any new supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

### How does the bioavailability of Lycored Lycopene compare to lycopene from cooked tomato products?

Lycored Lycopene is a branded, standardized extract designed for enhanced absorption and consistency compared to variable lycopene content in tomato products. The supplement form is processed to optimize bioavailability, though clinical studies directly comparing Lycored to specific tomato preparations are limited. Taking Lycored Lycopene with dietary fat further improves absorption, making it a reliable option for those seeking consistent lycopene intake.

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