Tomatoes - Research
Other Names: Tomato, Love Apple, Golden Apple, Wolf Apple, Wolf peach, Apple of Love, Tamatar, Solanum Lycopersicum
Studies have been done on the external use of lycopene as potential protection against ultraviolet light skin damage and other antioxidant uses for the skin.7,8 Lycopene is also being researched for a potential internal use as a skin protectant that could help prevent skin cancer and damage that causes skin aging.9 Ongoing research is being performed on lycopene and combinations of substances and vitamins including lycopene for the prevention of many types of cancer and other potential antioxidant uses. Some studies indicate lycopene may have beneficial effects on the heart, including possible reduction in coronary heart disease and heart attack.5
References:
5 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA (editors). The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete Source of Natural Product Information. 3rd edition. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons, 2002.
7 Fazekas Z, Gao D, Saladi RN, Lu Y, Lebwohl M, Wei H. Protective effects of lycopene against ultraviolet B-induced photodamage[abstract]. Nutr Cancer. 2003;47(2):181-187.
8 Andreassi M, Stanghellini E, Ettorre A, Di Stefani A, Andreassi L. Antioxidant activity of topically applied lycopene[abstract]. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. January 2004;18(1):52-55.
9 Cesarini JP, Michel L, Maurette JM, Adhoute H, Bejot M. Immediate effects of UV radiation on the skin: modification by an antioxidant complex containing carotenoids[abstract]. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. August 2003;19(4):182-189.
Source: ABC
