1.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LYCOPENE

Lycopene is a natural pigment synthesized by plants and

microorganisms. carotenoid composition, an acyclic isomeric form of
β-carotene and has no activity as vitamin A (Agarwal and Rao, 1999).
Lycopene has a molecule C40H56 with a heavy molecule of 536.85 Da
and a melting point of 172 ° C - 175 ° C. The chemical structure of
lycopene is an unsaturated chain with hydrocarbon straight chains
consisting of thirteen double bonds, twelve associated conjugated
double bonds, while two double bonds not conjugated (Agarwal and
Rao, 2000). Another chemical characteristic of lycopene is its needle-
like crystalline form, long, in the form of high brownish flour.
Lycopene is dangerous hydrophobic and is more soluble in
chloroform, benzene, hexane, and other organic solvents. The
degradation process can be carried out through an isomerization and
oxidation process due to light, oxygen, high temperature, drying
techniques, exfoliation, storage and acid processes. Another study
states that bioavailability likes the consumption dose and the presence
of carotenoids like beta-carotene (Clinton, 1998).

Increase bioavailability according to molecular composition,

amount of lycopene in food, composition of food, moderate fat or oil,
influence of dietary fiber and interactions with other carotenoids.
Metabolism is like happening together with fat. In the duodenum
micelles containing lycopene enter the cell mucosa of the intestine
through passive diffusion after being digested by the pancreas lipase
and emulsified bile salts. Furthermore, it is carried into the
bloodstream through the lymphatic system. Perhaps most of the
collection in several tissues, including the testis, adrenal section, liver
and prostate (Clinton, 1998).
 Lycopene is probably the most satisfactory carotenoid against
oxygen-singlet action, which is 100 times more efficient in studies
carried out than vitamin E, so it has 125 satisfying actions of
glutathione (water soluble). Singlet oxygen produced during exposure
to ultraviolet light represents the cause of skin aging (Clinton, 1998).

The antioxidant properties that it provides, substantial scientific

and clinical research have been offered to the possible agreement
between consumption of lycopene and general health. This latest
study reports several improvements from cardio-vascular disease,
cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even male infertility.

There are several reviews resulting from the analysis of the anti-
cancer properties of lycopene, although the main research is still
incomplete. Evidence of the benefits of lycopene is the strongest for
lung, stomach and prostate cancer. Lycopene is not converted into
vitamin A in the body so that it can be used for other purposes such as
antioxidants. Without the presence of a beta-ionon ring structure to
increase the antioxidant action of lycopene. Lycopene is also the most
efficient oxygen and free radicals and is the main carotenoid in
plasma and other tissues. Lycopene is also found in the lungs and is
useful for protecting lymphocytes from NO2 hazards found in the
lungs. Lycopene also helps reduce the risk of oxidation of pylori
infection in the stomach (Giovannucci, 1999)

Lycopene carotenoids from tomatoes can reduce the risk of cancer

by activating special cancer prevention enzymes such as phase-II
enzyme-detoxification, which eliminates the danger of carcinogens
from body cells. In the study of lycopene as an inhibitor of human
cancer cell proliferation found unlike cancer cells, human fibroblasts
are less sensitive to lycopene, and cells used openly increase the
development of inhibition over time. In addition to its inhibitory
effects on proliferation of endometrial basal cancer cells, lycopene
also supports the development of the preferred insulin-factor-I
developed. The development of the preferred factors - insulin is the
main autocrine / paracrine regulator of the mammary and the
development of endothelial cancer cells. Therefore, repair of lycopene
in the main autocrine / paracrine system can be opened wide new for
research on the role of lycopene in the installation of endothelial
cancer and other tumors. However, in different studies, as well as
found to have an inhibitory effect on the development of cataracts and
several different types of cancer cells and endoletial breast cancer
cells, carcinoma cells, and colon cancer cells (Giovannucci, 1999)

Finally the FDA issued a very limited qualification claim used for
tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene, as a handle that
would not mislead consumers, saying: "Very limited and previous
scientific research / or tomato sauce to reduce our risk
 REFERENCE

Agarwal S, dan Rao A.V.1999. Role of Lycopene as Antioxidant

Carotenoid in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases: a review. Nutr.
Res. 19:305–323.

Agarwal S, dan Rao A.V. 2000. Role of Antioxidant Lycopene in

Cancer and Rats Diseases. Journal of the American Collage of
Nutrition, Vol. 19 No 5, 563-569.

Clinton, S. K., 1998. Lycopene: Chemistry, Biology, and

Implications for Human Health and Disease. Nutr. Rev. 56: 35–51

Giovannucci, E. 1999. Tomatoes, Tomato-based Products,

Lycopene, and Cancer: Review of the Epidemiologic Literature. J.
Natl. Cancer Inst. 91:317–331.