Lycopene as a potential anticancer agent: Current evidence on synergism, drug delivery systems and epidemiology (Review)

Abstract

Plant-derived natural compounds are an important source of anticancer drugs. Lycopene, commonly referred to as 'plant gold', is a powerful antioxidant with multiple health benefits. It may be associated with a reduction in the morbidity and mortality of several types of cancer, making it a promising anticancer agent. The present review summarizes the synergistic effects of lycopene as a dietary supplement with other chemotherapy drugs or nutrients, for the enhancement of anticancer effects or the reduction of side effects from chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, due to its low water solubility, the development of novel drug delivery systems may improve the bioavailability of lycopene. By summarizing epidemiological research, the present review highlights the current clinical research status and limitations of lycopene, with the aim to provide useful information and guidance for future research on the anticancer effects of lycopene.

Keywords: cancer; delivery systems; epidemiology; lycopene; synergism.

Figure 1.

Main plant sources of lycopene.

Figure 2.

Biological effects of lycopene. ROS, reactive oxygen species; UV, ultraviolet. This figure was created with BioRender.com.

Figure 3.

Main anticancer mechanism of lycopene. This figure was created with BioRender.com. The red lines represent inhibitory effects and the black lines activation effect. ROS, reactive oxygen species; P, phosphorylation; AP-1, activator protein 1; BID, BH3 interacting domain death agonist; c-Fos, cellular FBJ osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog; FASR, Fas receptor; JAK, janus kinase; IGF-1R, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor; IRS-1, insulin receptor substrate-1; Keap1, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; LRP, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein; Nrf2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; PDGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor; SP-1, specificity protein-1.