Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes, and its high concentrations in cells gives them their red colour. Lycopene is well absorbed in humans, and high blood concentrations have been associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer in epidemiological studies, particularly cancers of the prostate. The mechanisms of action are not fully understood, but lycopene appears to slow the proliferation of cells in the prostate which may be beneficial to those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostate hyperplasia is a disease associated with age that affects roughly 50% of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 80s. The development of BPH is a risk factor for prostate cancer and so the cellular effects by lycopene in preventing cell proliferation may be beneficial to the prevention of prostate cancer. Therefore, researchers1 have investigated the effects of lycopene supplements on elderly men diagnosed with BHP.
For example, 40 elderly men diagnosed with BPH supplemented their diet with 15 mg per day of lycopene or a placebo for 6 months. Researchers then monitored their carotenoid status and measured their prostate cell proliferation and their disease progression. As expected, the plasma concentrations of lycopene increased in those taking the lycopene supplements, but not in those talking the placebo. No other plasma carotenoids changed significantly. Six months after the study started, levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (a known serum marker of BPH and prostate cancer) had decreased in those receiving the lycopene supplement and enlargement of the prostate had stopped. However, in the placebo group the progression of prostate enlargement continued and levels of PSA remained high. These results suggest that lycopene may be an effective supplement for prostate health, and that tomatoes may be an effective functional food that slows development of BPH and protects from prostate cancer.
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