Lycopene
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Evidence Summary
Lycopene is a carotenoid with research suggesting potential benefits for male reproductive health, prostate-related urinary symptoms, and skin aging. Evidence often focuses on its use in combination with other nutrients like selenium and Serenoa repens to support sperm quality and manage lower urinary tract symptoms.
Evidence by Condition
Systematic reviews suggest lycopene may play a potential role in non-hormonal treatments to improve sperm quality.
A combination of Serenoa repens, selenium, and lycopene has shown non-inferiority to tadalafil for treating LUTS secondary to benign prostatic obstruction.
Clinical trials have investigated the use of lycopene in combination with astaxanthin and tocopherol for the treatment of skin aging.
Lycopene is studied for its potential protective effects against DNA damage in humans.
Effective Doses
Specific dose ranges are limited in the provided research, though one clinical trial utilized 1.8 mg of lycopene as part of a multi-ingredient supplement.
Key Findings
- Lycopene, combined with Serenoa repens and selenium, is non-inferior to tadalafil 5 mg for treating LUTS from benign prostatic obstruction (PMID: 29569389).
- Lycopene is identified as a potential non-hormonal treatment component for male infertility (PMID: 31002161).
- Lycopene and other phytochemicals may provide protective effects against DNA damage (PMID: 37573943).
- A combination of astaxanthin, lycopene, and D-alpha-tocopherol was studied for its effects on skin aging (NCT03460860).
Limitations
Much of the current evidence evaluates lycopene as part of a multi-nutrient combination rather than as a monotherapy, and more large-scale studies are needed to establish isolated efficacy and optimal dosing.
Safety & Interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were identified in the provided research summaries.
AI-generated summary from 8 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 90% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 7% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (8)
**Fedorowicz et al., 2008** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Fedorowicz Zbys, Chan Shih-Yen Edwin, ... Shi Luming. Interventions for the management of oral submucous fibrosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008-Oct-08(4):CD007156. doi:1...
**Cannarella et al., 2019** | Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci | Systematic Review Cannarella R, Calogero A E, ... La Vignera S. Non-hormonal treatment for male infertility: the potential role of Serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol ...
OBJECTIVE: To compare in a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority clinical study, the efficacy and tolerability of Serenoa repens (SeR) + selenium (Se) + lycopene (Ly) (SeR-Se-Ly) therapy vs tadalafil 5 mg in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (L...
**Fenech et al., 2023** | Adv Nutr | Systematic Review Fenech Michael F, Bull Caroline F, Van Klinken B Jan-Willem. Protective Effects of Micronutrient Supplements, Phytochemicals and Phytochemical-Rich Beverages and Foods Against DNA Damage in Human...
**Chen et al., 2023** | Aging (Albany NY) | Systematic Review Chen Zilong, Hong Zhiming, ... Weng Haowei. Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical intervention on sperm quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Aging (Albany NY). 2023-May-17...
**NCT ID**: NCT03460860 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 100 **Completion**: 2019-02-07
**Rajesh et al., 2021** | Oral Dis | Narrative Review Rajesh Kashyap Roopashri, Shanker Kashyap Rajesh. Herbal derivatives in the management of mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis-A network meta-analysis. Oral Dis. 2021-Oct;27(7):1606-1615. doi:...
**Source:** [Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Lycopene-HealthProfessional/) **Reading Level:** Health Professional This fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides evidence-based information abo...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is lycopene and what are its main health benefits?
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that has been studied for several health purposes. There is moderate evidence suggesting it may support sperm quality, help manage lower urinary tract symptoms, and potentially protect against DNA damage.
Can lycopene help improve sperm quality and male fertility?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that lycopene may play a potential role in non-hormonal treatments to improve sperm quality. It is often studied as a component in supporting male reproductive health.
Does lycopene help with prostate-related urinary symptoms?
There is moderate evidence that a combination of lycopene, selenium, and Serenoa repens can be effective for treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic obstruction. Research indicates this combination can be as effective as certain standard treatments like tadalafil.
Can lycopene protect against DNA damage?
There is moderate evidence indicating that lycopene, especially when combined with other phytochemicals, may provide protective effects against DNA damage in humans.
Will taking lycopene help with skin aging?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that lycopene can treat skin aging. While some clinical trials have investigated lycopene in combination with other nutrients like astaxanthin, more research is required.
What is the effective dose of lycopene?
Specific effective dose ranges are not yet well-established in the available research. However, one clinical trial utilized a dose of 1.8 mg of lycopene as part of a multi-ingredient supplement.
Is lycopene safe to take and are there any drug interactions?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications have been identified in the current research. However, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.