New Research Reveals How Lycopene Revitalizes Brain Health and Fights Depression

By Wiley, Feb. 4, 2025

https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-reveals-how-lycopene-revitalizes-brain-health-and-fights-depression/

Lycopene may have natural antidepressant effects by restoring brain function. A study on mice found that it reduces hippocampal damage and increases BDNF levels, which are crucial for learning and memory.

Lycopene, a plant-derived compound found in tomatoes and other red fruits, is showing promise as a natural antidepressant.

Researchers found that lycopene enhances BDNF expression, a key protein involved in brain health, which appears to be suppressed in depression.

Lycopene’s Potential as an Antidepressant

Lycopene, a natural compound found in plants, may have antidepressant effects, according to emerging research. A new study published on January 22 in Food Science & Nutrition explores how lycopene influences brain function to counteract symptoms of depression.

In mice displaying depression-like behaviors, researchers observed impairments in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and mood regulation. Treatment with lycopene reduced these impairments and improved the animals’ behavior.

Boosting Brain Function with BDNF

Further analysis revealed that lycopene increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain function, learning, and memory. The study found that in mice with depression, a key signaling pathway involving BDNF (known as the BDNF-TrkB pathway) was suppressed. Lycopene treatment helped restore this pathway, potentially improving neural communication and brain health.

The study “offers an effective avenue for the development of novel antidepressant therapies,” the authors wrote. “We plan to conduct further verification in future studies and include multiple brain regions in our research.”

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