Lycopene

=Generalities= Lycopene is the pigment that give fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes their red color. Heating tomatoes and other fruits that contain lycopene increases its bioavailablility by transforming the molecular configuration from 'trans' to 'cis'

=Modes of Action and Properties= Lycopene is lipophilic. It can therefore penetrate cell membranes. -Reduces the risk of prostate, lung and possibly breast cancer (in vitro experiments) -Protects the skin from singlet oxygen, which is a free radical caused by sun exposure

=Indications= -Sun Protection -Prevention of prostate and lung cancer

=Contraindications= None Known

=Precautions= None Known

=Food Sources= -Tomatoes -Red Bell Peppers -Chili Peppers -Watermelon -Pink Grapefruit -Apricots -Pink Guava

=Therapeutic Dose= At least 6.5mg./day