Lycopene is a natural red pigment (carotenoid) with the formula C40H56, which is fat-soluble and cannot be synthesized by the human body. Characterized by its linear structure and 11 conjugated double bonds, lycopene possesses exceptional antioxidant power. Key sources include tomatoes, watermelon, and the "gac" fruit, (H. Phan-Thi, Octobre 2014) (Phan-Thi, n.d.), which offers the highest known concentration (26.8–305.4mg/100 g). Its properties are valued in the prevention of oxidative damage, cardiovascular diseases (by inhibiting LDL oxidation), and cancer. Lycopene is widely applied as a natural food coloring (E160d), an anti-aging cosmetic ingredient, and in dietary supplements. An innovative extraction method, IUSAE (Integrated Ultrasound-assisted Surfactant Extraction) from tomato peels, achieved an extraction efficiency of 77%. This method proved superior by reducing extraction time by 85% compared to the two-step USAE while preserving the compound's antioxidant activity. Quantification is primarily performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), often coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS). Lycopene remains a major compound for future research, focusing on its stabilization and enhanced bioavailability through approaches like nano-encapsulation.
Lazrek et al. (Fri,) studied this question.