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Review
. 2022 Mar 4;27(5):1701.
doi: 10.3390/molecules27051701.

Sustainable Valorization of Tomato By-Products to Obtain Bioactive Compounds: Their Potential in Inflammation and Cancer Management

Tânia Laranjeira  1 , Ana Costa  2 , Catarina Faria-Silva  2 , Daniela Ribeiro  3   4 , José Miguel P Ferreira de Oliveira  3 , Sandra Simões  2 , Andreia Ascenso  2
Affiliations
Review

Sustainable Valorization of Tomato By-Products to Obtain Bioactive Compounds: Their Potential in Inflammation and Cancer Management

Tânia Laranjeira et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Tomato producing and processing industries present undoubted potential for industrial discarded products valorization whether due to the overproduction of fresh tomatoes or to the loss during processing. Although tomato by-products are not yet considered a raw material, several studies have suggested innovative and profitable applications. It is often referred to as "tomato pomace" and is quite rich in a variety of bioactive compounds. Lycopene, vitamin C, β-carotene, phenolic compounds, and tocopherol are some of the bioactives herein discussed. Tomato by-products are also rich in minerals. Many of these compounds are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties besides modulating the immune system. Several researchers have focused on the possible application of natural ingredients, especially those extracted from foods, and their physiological and pharmacological effects. Herein, the effects of processing and further applications of the bioactive compounds present in tomato by-products were carefully reviewed, especially regarding the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The aim of this review was thus to highlight the existing opportunities to create profitable and innovative applications for tomato by-products in health context.

Keywords: anti-cancer; anti-inflammatory; oleoresins; peel; pomace; seeds; tomato; tomato processing industry.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graphic representation of estimated percentages of tomato processed by-products by USDA [20].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structure of main bioactives extracted from tomato by-products: (a) vitamin C; (b) vitamin E; (c) lycopene; (d) β-carotene.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic representation of the main mode of action of lycopene as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of traditional tomato production and processing circuit versus added-value circuit.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of traditional tomato production and processing circuit versus added-value circuit.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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