Research Progress on Lycopene in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Lycopene is a natural pigment in tomato, watermelon, pomegranate, and other plants. It belongs to the carotenoid family. It has the biological function, it possess anti-oxidative properties, induces intercellular communication, and regulates cell proliferation. In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed the active role of lycopene in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and the mechanism involved includes inhibition of oxidative stress, maintenance of mitochondrial function, and modulation of apoptosis among others. In this review, the research reports on lycopene in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in recent years were summarized.