Lycopene: total-scale literature landscape analysis
of a valuable nutraceutical with numerous potential
applications in the promotion of human and animal health
Lycopene intake from tomatoes and other food sources has multiple potential health benefits. This
report aimed to evaluate the current research literature on lycopene concerning human and animal
health. The electronic Web of Science Core Collection database was searched with (lycopene*) AND
(health* OR illness* OR disease* OR medic* OR pharma* OR drug* OR therap*). The resulted
3972 papers were analyzed with the aid of bibliometric software. Besides the United States, the
lycopene papers received global contributions, particularly from China, Italy, India, and Spain.
Examples of frequently mentioned chemicals/chemical classes were carotenoid, beta carotene, alpha
carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, and alpha tocopherol. Examples of frequently mentioned medical
conditions were prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Published scientific articles
reveal the diverse potential of lycopene in prompting human and animal health, and the knowledge
on the bioactivities of this phytochemical is expected to further grow in the future