Lycopene: Its Properties and Relationship to Human Health

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenols from Crocus sativus by-products using sunflower oil as a sustainable solvent alternative

In the last decade, there's been a rising emphasis on eco-friendly solvents in industry and academia due to environmental concerns. Vegetable oils are now recognized as a practical, non-toxic option for extracting phytochemicals from herbs. This study presents a novel, green, and user-friendly method for extracting phenolic content from Crocus sativus L. waste using ultrasound. It replaces conventional organic solvents with sustainable sunflower oil, making the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. The effects of temperature (18-52 °C), ultrasonic time (5-55 min), and solid-solvent ratio (5-31 g/100 mL) were assessed by applying response surface methodology (RSM) and Central composite design. The combined impact of solid-solvent ratio, temperature, and ultrasonic time led to heightened phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the enriched oil. However, when these variables were at their maximum levels, there was a decline in these attributes. The specific conditions found to be ideal were a solid-to-liquid ratio of 26 g/100 mL, a temperature of 45 °C, and a duration of 45 min. The optimum extraction condition yielded the expected highest phenolic content (317.15 mg/ Kg), and antioxidant activity (89.34%). The enriched oil with flower saffron enabled the utilization of renewable natural ingredients, ensuring the production of a healthy extract or product. Also, enriched oils find diverse applications in areas such as food, aquaculture, and cosmetics.

Optimization of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) juice fermentation process and analysis of its metabolites during fermentation

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a nutritious fruit and vegetable. Fermentation can be used to enhance their nutritional value. In this study, the tomato juice was co-fermented with multistrains, optimized by uniform experimental design and response surface methodology. Superoxide dismutase activity reached 496.67 U/g and lycopene content reached 77.12μg/g when P. pentosaceus (53.79%), L. casei (13.17%), L. plantarum (19.87%), L. fermentum (13.17%). To gain insight into the dynamics of metabolites during the tomato fermentation juice process multivariate statistical analysis was performed using the UHPLC-QE-MS/MS method. The main metabolites are peptides, amino acids carbohydrates, organic acids, and phospholipids. Carbohydrates were fully retained at the end of fermentation.The content of galactitol increased from the initial 5.389 to 6.607 while the content of cytarabine decreased by 29% and uridine by 44%. Meanwhile, phospholipids (PS, PE, PC, PG, PI) were all retained by more than 70%. Terpenoids (16-deacetylgairin, (+)-Royleanone, artemisinin) were increased to varying degrees, which gives them good nutritional value and biological activity. Organic acids (malic and citric) were reduced and lactic acid content was increased, changing its original flavor and making it more palatable to the general population. The research results have demonstrated the benefits of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on tomato juice, providing a theoretical basis and reference for the fermentation metabolism process of tomato juice.

Enhancement of lycopene bioaccessibility in tomatoes using excipient emulsions: Effect of dark tea polysaccharides

This study fabricated a novel excipient emulsion by adding dark tea polysaccharides to improve the bioaccessibility of lycopene from tomatoes. Results indicated that addition of tea polysaccharides greatly increased the antioxidant activity of excipient emulsions. Additionally, tea polysaccharides markedly improved the physical stability of excipient emulsion when being mixed with tomato puree and passing through a simulated gastrointestinal tract, contributing to an increase in electrostatic and steric repulsion between the droplets. Besides, certain amount of tea polysaccharides (0.05 - 0.2 wt%) could increase the rate and extent of lipid digestion in tomato-emulsion mixtures. Finally, lycopene bioaccessibility was significantly increased (from 16.95 % to 26.21 %) when 0.1 wt% tea polysaccharides were included, which was mainly ascribed to the ability of tea polysaccharides to increase lipid digestion and reduce carotenoid oxidation within the gastrointestinal tract. These results suggest that well-designed excipient emulsions may increase carotenoids bioavailability in the complex food matrices.

Recovery of Carotenoids from Tomato Pomace Using a Hydrofluorocarbon Solvent in Sub-Critical Conditions

The enrichment of oils with nutraceutical bioactive phytomolecules allows the achievement of functional oil-based products of great interest in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields. Carotenoids, such as lycopene and β-carotene, are available at a high concentration in tomatoes and tomato waste products, as peels, seeds, and pulp; their recovery is recently attracting growing interest and economic importance in the food industry, and also in consideration of the huge amount of industrial waste produced. The aim of this work is to study the production of an oil functionalized with carotenoids from tomato peels. The extractions were carried out using an innovative process based on the use of commercial Norflurane as solvent in subcritical conditions. Extraction trials were performed on dried tomato peels, with the addition of tomato seeds or wheat germ flour as sources of oily co-solvents, capable of also preserving the biological characteristics of the carotenoids extracted. Although lycopene solubility in Norflurane is quite low, the solvent recirculation and regeneration were allowed to reach a concentration in the oily extracts of approximately 0.3 mg/goil after 2 h of the process. The enrichment in β-carotene was more pronounced, and concentrations of 0.733 mg/goil and 0.952 mg/goil were observed in wheat germ and tomato seed oils, respectively. The results obtained in this study were compared with those obtained by traditional and supercritical CO2 extraction methods.

Tailoring Alginate/Chitosan Microparticles Loaded with Chemical and Biological Agents for Agricultural Application and Production of Value-Added Foods

This work reviews the recent development of biopolymer-based delivery systems for agricultural application. Encapsulation into biopolymer microparticles ensures the protection and targeted delivery of active agents while offering controlled release with higher efficiency and environmental safety for ecological and sustainable plant production. Encapsulation of biological agents provides protection and increases its survivability while providing an environment safe for growth. The application of microparticles loaded with chemical and biological agents presents an innovative way to stimulate plant metabolites synthesis. This enhances plants’ defense against pests and pathogens and results in the production of higher quality food (i.e., higher plant metabolites share). Ionic gelation was presented as a sustainable method in developing biopolymeric microparticles based on the next-generation biopolymers alginate and chitosan. Furthermore, this review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of advanced formulations against conventional ones. The significance of plant metabolites stimulation and their importance in functional food production is also pointed out. This review offers guidelines in developing biopolymeric microparticles loaded with chemical and biological agents and guidelines for the application in plant production, underlining its effect on the plant metabolites synthesis.

Improving the Stability of Lycopene from Chemical Degradation in Model Beverage Emulsions: Impact of Hydrophilic Group Size of Emulsifier and Antioxidant Polarity

The chemical stability of the lipophilic bioactives encapsulated in emulsions can be influenced by emulsion droplet interfacial characteristics as well as by the ability of antioxidants incorporated in emulsion to prevent the degradation of the encapsulated compounds. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of the interfacial characteristics of emulsions and the polarity of antioxidants on the storage stability of lycopene in emulsions. Emulsions with 5% (w/w) oil containing lycopene (30 µmol/kg emulsion) were prepared using a series of polyethylene glycol acyl ether-type emulsifiers through microfluidization. Change in lycopene content in emulsions was monitored by high performance liquid chromatography. Our findings show that the hydrophilic group size (or length) of emulsifiers and the emulsifier concentration at the interfacial film play a role, albeit minor, in controlling the storage stability of lycopene encapsulated in emulsions. Lipophilic (tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)) and amphiphilic (lauryl gallate) antioxidants similarly improved the storage stability of lycopene in emulsions from acid- and radical-mediated degradation, independent of the characteristics of interfacial films of emulsions. However, TBHQ inhibited the degradation of lycopene in emulsions more effectively than lauryl gallate under conditions intended to accelerate the acid-mediated degradation of lycopene. Therefore, our findings can provide helpful information about what type of emulsifiers and antioxidants can be chosen for preparing food emulsions capable of maximizing the stability of lycopene encapsulated therein.

New insights into cadmium stressful-conditions: Role of ethylene on selenium-mediated antioxidant enzymes

Cadmium (Cd) contamination has generated an environmental problem worldwide, leading to harmful effects on human health and damages to plant metabolism. Selenium (Se) is non essential for plants, however it can improve plant growth and reduce the adverse effects of abiotic stress. In addition, ethylene may interplay the positive effects of Se in plants. In order to investigate the role of ethylene in Se-modulation of antioxidant defence system in response to Cd-stress, we tested the hormonal mutant Epinastic (epi) with a subset of constitutive activation of the ethylene response and Micro-Tom (MT) plants. For this purpose, Se mineral uptake, Cd and Se concentrations, pigments, malondialdeyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents, ethylene production, glutathione (GSH) compound, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were analysed in MT and epi plants submitted to 0.5 mM CdCl₂ and 1 μM of selenate or selenite. MT plants treated with both Se forms increased growth in the presence or not of 0.5 mM CdCl₂, but not change epi growth. Both Se forms reduced Cd uptake in MT plants and cause reverse effect in epi plants. P, Mg, S, K and Zn uptake increased in epi plants with Se application, irrespective to Cd exposure. Chlorophylls and carotenoids contents decreased in both genotypes under Cd exposure, in contrast to what was observed in epi leaves in the presence of Se. When antioxidant enzymes activities were concerned, Se application increased Mn-SOD, Fe-SOD and APX activities. In the presence of Cd, MT and epi plants exhibited decreased SOD activity and increased CAT, APX and GR activities. MT and epi plants with Se supply exhibited increased APX and GR activities in the presence of Cd. Overall, these results suggest that ethylene may be involved in Se induced-defence responses, that triggers a positive response of the antioxidant system and improve growth under Cd stress. These results showed integrative roles of ethylene and Se in regulating the cell responses to stressful-conditions and, the cross-tolerance to stress could be used to manipulate ethylene regulated gene expression to induce heavy metal tolerance.

Interactions between fecal bacteria, bile acids and components of tomato pomace

The tomato pomace obtained during processing as a residue of tomato processing from large industry. The interactions between tomato pomace and fecal bacteria, bile acids during in vitro digestion were studied. Digestion was carried out by using bioreactor in anaerobic conditions. Tomato pomace can significantly affect the count of fecal bacteria and the solubility of bile acids in in vitro digestion due to bonding ability of their proteins/peptides. The availability and use of bile acids does not only depend on the interactions between bile acids and bacteria, but also the interactions of bile acids with digested food components. Tomato pomace characterized high dietary fiber content and its fractions: 17.64-21.53% for cellulose and 13.48-18.63% for lignin. Given our results we supposed that fecal bacteria can use primary bile acids, as their source of energy in an environment where carbon availability is limited.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Do Not Adversely Impact Carotenoid Bioaccessibility from Tomatoes Consumed with Different Nanoemulsions: In Vitro Digestion Study

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is used as an additive to whiten some foods and beverages that contain lipid nanoparticles. We therefore investigated the combined influence of TiO₂ and lipid nanoparticles on carotenoid bioaccessibility from tomatoes. TiO₂ nanoparticles ( d = 167 nm) were combined with nanoemulsions ( d ≈ 150 nm) stabilized by various emulsifiers: Tween 80, whey protein, or sodium caseinate. The mixed systems were then mixed with tomatoes and passed through a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The emulsifier type significantly influenced carotenoid bioaccessibility ( p < 0.05), mainly because of differences in the ability of the emulsifier-coated lipid droplets to extract carotenoids from tomatoes and form mixed micelles. TiO₂ addition did not impact lipid digestion and carotenoid bioaccessibility ( p > 0.05). These results suggested that carotenoid bioaccessibility was not influenced by TiO₂ addition but did depend on the type of emulsifier used to stabilize lipid nanoparticles.

Production and characterization of nanostructured lipid carriers and solid lipid nanoparticles containing lycopene for food fortification

In this study, lycopene, was loaded on nanostructured lipid carrier and solid lipid nanoparticles using combination of high shear homogenization and ultrasonication method. Effect of applied lipids types, nanocarrier's type and lycopene loading on physicochemical properties of developed nanocarriers were studied. Particle sizes of developed nanocarriers were between 74.93 and 183.40 nm. Encapsulation efficiency of nanostructured lipid carrier was significantly higher than solid lipid nanoparticles. Morphological study of developed nanocarriers using scanning electron microscopy showed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surface. Lycopene was entrapped in nanocarriers without any chemical interaction with coating material according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum and differential scanning calorimetry thermogram. Glycerol monostearate containing nanoparticles showed phase separation after 30 days in 6 and 25 °C, whereas this event was not observed in nanosuspensions that produced by glycerol distearate. Lycopene release in gastrointestinal condition was studied by the dialysis bag method. To evaluate nanocarrier's potential for food fortification, developed lycopene-loaded nanocarriers were added to orange drink. Results of sensory analysis indicated that nanoencapsulation could obviate the poor solubility and tomato after taste of lycopene. Fortified sample with lycopene nanocarriers didn't show significant difference with blank orange drink sample except in orange odor.

Carotenoids: From Plants to Food Industry

Carotenoids have been studied for their ability to prevent chronic disease due to the free radical theory of aging in chronic disease etiology. β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthine and others carotenoids have antioxidant properties, but the antioxidant capability is variable depending on the in vitro system used The physiology, structure and biochemistry is well described. Moreover, sources of carotenoids and health effects along with bioavailability-absorption and metabolism, of carotenoids are well addressed. The effect of carotenoids on biotechnology and the food industry is significantly attributed. Finally, carotenoids as fortified substances in foods and special aspects about carotenenoids as health promoters are well presented along with a glance of carotenoids economics.

Hepatoprotective effects of lycopene on liver enzymes involved in methionine and xenobiotic metabolism in hyperhomocysteinemic rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia, defined by an increased plasma homocysteine level, is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases.

Selected terpenoids from medicinal plants modulate endoplasmic reticulum stress in metabolic disorders

Objectives

The majority of research performed on cellular stress and apoptosis focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction; however, the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction and the link to metabolic diseases has gained a substantial interest. This review focuses on the potential of terpenoids to influence endoplasmic reticulum stress and the possible role terpenoids play as the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Key findings

Metabolic diseases develop as a result of a cascade of cellular pathways. In most cases, cells are able to compensate for the disruption of the cellular homeostasis although the initiation of response pathways; however, chronic stress initiates apoptotic pathways. This reviewed (1) showed the importance of phytoterpenoids to influence endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and homeostasis, (2) showed how regulating ER stress affect the cell survival and death, and (3) highlighted some examples of how the progression of metabolic diseases can be influenced by ER.

Summary

Due to the substantial number of terpenoids that have been identified in literature, this review gave examples of 21 terpenoids that have been documented to have an effect on the different proteins associated with ER stress, how these plant terpenoids influence ER dysfunction and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, liver, and neurological diseases and parasitic infections.

An update on the health effects of tomato lycopene

Lycopene is a non-provitamin A carotenoid that is responsible for the red to pink colors seen in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and other foods. Processed tomato products are the primary dietary lycopene source in the United States. Unlike many other natural compounds, lycopene is generally stable to processing when present in the plant tissue matrix. Recently, lycopene has also been studied in relation to its potential health effects. Although promising data from epidemiological, as well as cell culture and animal, studies suggest that lycopene and the consumption of lycopene containing foods may affect cancer or cardiovascular disease risk, more clinical trial data is needed to support this hypothesis. In addition, future studies are required to understand the mechanism(s) whereby lycopene or its metabolites are proven to possess biological activity in humans.

Role of iron and hydroperoxides in the degradation of lycopene in oil-in-water emulsions

Lycopene has recently received interest as an antioxidant in human tissues. These antioxidant properties, however, present challenges to preventing oxidative degradation of lycopene within food products. In this research, oxidation of lycopene in a model emulsion system was examined. Lycopene loss was monitored using a spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. Light was found to have little influence on the degradation of lycopene at pH 3, 5, or 7. The pH of the emulsion had a significant impact on the stability of lycopene, with most rapid degradation occurring in emulsions at pH 4 and below. Addition of EDTA significantly increased the stability of lycopene. Addition of TBHQ showed little impact on lycopene stability at pH 3, but exhibited a greater effect at pH 7. These results suggest that transition metal induced oxidation of lycopene may be the predominant mechanism of degradation at low pHs. At higher pHs, attack by free radicals was found to be a contributing mechanism to lycopene oxidation.

Factors affecting lycopene oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions

Evidence that dietary lycopene decreases the risk for a number of health conditions has generated new opportunities for the addition of lycopene to functional foods. This work examined the potential of oil-in-water emulsions as a lycopene delivery system for foods. Oil-in-water emulsions containing lycopene were prepared using different kinds of surfactant (cationic, anionic, and nonionic) and oil types (corn oil, stripped corn oil, and hexadecane). The formation of fatty acid oxidation products and the degradation of lycopene and tocopherol were then monitored. Fatty acids and lycopene had greater stability in oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by cationic dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) or nonionic polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether than by anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Oxidative stability in the corn oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by SDS was in the following order: tocopherol<lycopene<fatty acids. When emulsions were prepared using different carrier oils, the lycopene stability was in the following order: nonstripped corn oil>hexadecane>tocopherol-stripped corn oil. Lycopene degradation rates were similar in emulsions with and without fatty acids, suggesting that lycopene loss was independent of the presence of fatty acids. These results suggest that the stability of lycopene in oil-in-water emulsions could be inhibited by altering the emulsion droplet interface and by the presence of tocopherols.

Content of carotenoids at different ripening stages in processing tomato in relation to soil water availability

The influence of 2 water regimes (a fully irrigated treatment receiving 100% of evapotranspiration for the whole growing season and an unirrigated control watered up to plant establishment only) on lycopene and β-carotene accumulation during fruit ripening in a field-grown processing tomato was studied. Since a strong effect of irrigation treatments on fruit water content was expected, carotenoid content on both a fresh and dry matter basis was studied. Regardless of ripening stage and adopted parameter unit (fresh or dry matter), higher amounts of lycopene were measured in the well watered treatment. Positive and no effects of water stress were reported on β-carotene content when expressed, respectively, on a fresh and dry weight basis. Both experimental factors influenced the β-carotene/lycopene ratio mostly in the first 2 ripening stages and there is evidence to suggest that, under soil water deficit conditions, the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway is more ‘β-carotene accumulation’ oriented, especially at the beginning of the fruit ripening process. Appropriateness of adopting both a fresh and dry basis calculation, in order to better evaluate the role of water stress on carotenoid content, is emphasised. The possibility of reducing the irrigation water supply without drastically decreasing the studied fruit quality characteristics is suggested.