Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.
Pronunciation:
lahy-kuh-peen
Trade Name(s)
Ther. Class.
antioxidants
cardioprotective agents
Lycopene is a predominant carotenoid in blood and tissues that has antioxidant properties. It scavenges free radicals and prevents oxidative damage to DNA. It may decrease cholesterol synthesis and remove LDL cholesterol from circulation. 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato-derived products.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Absorption: Unknown
Distribution: Unknown
Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown
Half-life: Unknown
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
ONSET | PEAK | DURATION | |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Pregnancy and lactation (when using amounts greater than those found in foods)
GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Natural Drug Interaction
None.
Natural-Natural:
Absorption may be increased with beta carotene .
PO (Adults): Exercise-induced asthma: 30 mg/day; Prostate cancer: 15 mg twice daily; Oral leukoplakia: 4–8 mg/day.
Softgels: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor lipid profile, serum androgen, and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) before and periodically during therapy.
Decrease in atherosclerosis and exercise–induced asthma.