Lycopene as a Multifunctional Platform for the Treatment of Cancer and Inflammation

Lycopene is a carotenoid containing provitamin A, with a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effect. The use of oy lycopene as a nutraceutical has increased in the last few years, especially due to its anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. These properties rely on inhibiting several endogenous interleukins and the activation of several antitumor mechanisms like the inhibition of the production of nitic oxide and inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha; interleukins of the families 1, 6, and 8; and interferon gamma. In this review, the main mechanisms involved in both anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties of lycopene are summarized to consider its applications as an anticancer agent using the advantages of nanotechnology. Graphical abstract