Lycopene

Melanin is the natural color in our skin is synthesized by melanocytes. The distribution pattern in the nearby keratinocytes and the nature of the formed melanin determine the actual color of our skin. Melanin form through the series of oxidative reaction involving the amino acid tyrosine in the presence of enzyme tyrosinase. Skin whitening agent after inhibit the activity of tyrosinase. The drawback of the quick effect was, the high cytotoxicity of hydroquinone and its huge irritation potential. So that’s why herbal medicines are currently in demand and their popularity is increasing day by day. The objective of this research is to formulate skin whitening formulation, which have ability to give whitening effect without any side effects using herbal products. Now a day’s hyperpigmentation is a major problem. As per previous literature survey it is reported that lycopene, Citric acid & Tocopherol shows significant result in skin whitening activity. It is reported that plants Tomato, Lemon & Cucumber (fruits) contain high amount of Lycopene, Citric acid & Tocopherol. So from above conclusion to hypothesize that this plants may have significant role in skin whitening. 

While tomato products supplementation, containing various carotenoids, including lycopene has hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect, the role of purified lycopene for the same remains unclear. Thus we tested the effect of pure lycopene powder for its effect on lipid profile, blood glucose and antioxidant enzyme in hyperlipidemic rabbits.Male New- Zealand White rabbits were used. Blood samples from all the 12 rabbits were taken for the baseline level of lipids, [Serum Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), Serum Triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)] blood glucose and blood superoxide dismutase(SOD). Same tests were performed in high fat diet fed (control group) and high fat diet + lycopene (10 mg/kg) (test group) after 6 weeks. There was a significant decrease in the level of serum TC, LDL – C and serum TG and an increase in serum HDL – C and antioxidant SOD after addition of lycopene to high fat diet. There was however no change in blood glucose level. Purified lycopene showed significant hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity. However, it did not show significant effect on blood glucose level. Key Words: Lycopene, Hypolipidemia, Antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase, High fat diet.