This Component In Tomato And Watermelon May Ease Depression Symptoms

Lycopene, a natural plant extract responsible for the red and pink hues in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelons, and papayas, may help reduce symptoms of depression by improving brain cell communication, according to a new study.

Researchers from Chongqing Medical University in China, writing in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, highlighted the advantages of natural plant extracts over synthetic drugs. "Compared to synthetic drugs, natural plant extracts offer the advantages of being suitable for long-term consumption, having fewer side effects, and being safer," they noted.

Studies have previously shown that plant extracts like lycopene and curcumin have neuroprotective effects, with lycopene standing out due to its strong antioxidant properties and widespread availability.

Study Was Conducted On Mice

To examine lycopene's effects, researchers induced depressive-like behaviors in 60 mice. The mice were divided into two groups: one received 20 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of body weight, while the other was given a corn oil placebo.

Results showed that the mice treated with lycopene socialized more and exhibited greater interest in sugar water, which is designed to induce pleasure. The researchers found that stress had impaired the mice’s synaptic plasticity, a key mechanism for learning and memory. However, lycopene helped restore this plasticity and reversed depressive behaviors by targeting a specific signaling pathway in the nervous system.

Limitations Of The Study

The study had some constraints. Researchers only used male mice and focused solely on the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory. "Additionally, considering that depression is a chronic disease, its pathological mechanisms often take longer to fully manifest," the researchers wrote. "Extending the behavioral observation time after lycopene intervention may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy."

Another limitation is dosage. The mice received 20 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of body weight, which translates to roughly 1.62 milligrams per kilogram for humans. For a 200-pound person, this would amount to a daily dose of approximately 147 milligrams. However, some research suggests that only up to 75 milligrams per day is safe, while a recent study indicated that up to 100 milligrams poses no harm.

Where To Find Lycopene

Sun-dried tomatoes contain the highest concentration of lycopene among tomato-based products, with 45.9 milligrams per 100 grams. Other lycopene-rich sources include:

• Fresh tomatoes: 4 to 10 milligrams per 130-gram serving
• Ketchup: 3.3 milligrams per tablespoon
• Tomato paste: 16 milligrams per 100 grams
• Watermelon: 4.5 milligrams per 100 grams
• Papaya: 1.8 milligrams per 100 grams
• Pink grapefruit: 1.1 milligrams per 100 grams

While further research is needed, lycopene presents a promising, natural alternative for supporting mental health. Its potential to enhance brain function and reduce depressive symptoms highlights the importance of incorporating lycopene-rich foods into a balanced diet.