Use for: Lycopene is unsaturated hydrocarbon carotenoid and its structure is similar to beta carotene. It is fat-soluble red pigments and found in tomatoes, guava, pink grapefruit, red oranges, apricots, rosehips and watermelon. It is used for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer, cataracts and prevention of atherosclerosis. Lycopene is also used for treating prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, male infertility and gingivitis.
Concerns: Lycopene is mostly used safely in appropriate doses with little side effects like mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Lycopene may increase the bleeding risks when on concomitant use with anticoagulant, antiplatelets and perioperatively. It needs to be discontinues 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery. Consult with health care provider in these cases for the appropriate use of lycopene. Avoid using lycopene supplements on pregnancy and lactation. Only the amount of lycopene in foods would be safe on pregnancy and lactation.