## 1 Introduction  
Lycopene, a naturally occurring lipophilic dietary carotenoid found predominantly in tomatoes and other red-coloured fruits/vegetables has been extensively studied for its health benefits. Lycopene concentrations per 100 g for some common sources are as follows: guava: 5204 micrograms (ug), cooked tomatoes: 3041 ug, watermelon: 4532 ug, pink grapefruit: 1419 ug, papaya: 1828 ug, red bell peppers (cooked): 484 ug, persimmon: 159 ug, asparagus (cooked): 30 ug, and red cabbage: 20 ug. It is important to note that lycopene concentrations can vary based on factors such as ripeness, variety, and growing conditions [1; 2; 3]. The global lycopene market was valued at approximately Euro 160 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030 [4; 5]. The average daily lycopene intake ranges from 5 to 11 mg per capita [4; 5]. Epidemiological studies have associated the high dietary intake of lycopene with reduced risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular ailments and certain cancers. These observations have spurred extensive research into the bioactive properties of lycopene, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [6; 7]. Lycopene was perhaps first isolated from the berries of _Tamus communis_ (_Dioscorea communis_, newer nomenclature) by a chemist, [PERSON], in 1873 [8]. Subsequently, in 1875, a botanist [PERSON] extracted it from tomatoes as a crude crystalline mixture and named it solanorubin. It was not until 1903 that chemist [PERSON] identified this red pigment as distinct from other carotenoids and named it \"lycopine\", likely deriving the term from the tomato's botanical name, _Lycopersicon esculent_[9; 10]. It remains unclear how \"lycopine\" eventually became \"lycopine\" in common usage, which is now the standard nomenclature. Lycogene (PubChemChem ID 446925; MF: C\({}_{40}\)H\({}_{56}\), MW: 536.9 g/mol) is a carotenoid characterized by its linear, acyclic structure composed of 40 carbon atoms forming a series of 13 double bonds, 11 of which are conjugated [11; 12]. This extensive conjugated system imparts lycopene with its deep red colour and potent antioxidant properties [11; 12]. This conjugated system allows lycopene to absorb light in the blue and green regions of the visible spectrum, with absorption maxima of around 505 nm. As a result, the remaining unabsorbed light is rich in red wavelength, which is reflected, giving lycopene its characteristic red colour. The number of conjugated double bonds in a molecule directly influences its colour (a greater number of these bonds shift absorption toward longer wavelengths, resulting in the reflection of colours like red). Unlike many other carotenoids, such as \(\beta\)-carotene, which possess cyclic end groups (rings) at both ends of their structures, lycopene lacks these terminal rings, resulting in its open-chain configuration [11; 12; 13]. Additionally, lycopene does not exhibit pro-vitamin A activity, distinguishing it functionally from carotenoids like \(\beta\)-carotene that can be converted into vitamin A in the human body. Lycopene exhibits distinct pharmacokinetic properties in humans. Upon ingestion, lycopene is incorporated into lipid micelles in the small intestine, facilitated by dietary fats and bile salts. Absorption occurs primarily via passive diffusion and is mediated by scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) [14; 15]. Once absorbed, lycopene is transported through the lymphatic system within chylomicrons and subsequently distributed to various tissues, with notable accumulation in the liver, adrenal glands, and testes [16; 17]. The compound undergoes extensive isomerization, predominantly converting from the all-trans form to cis-isomers, which are more bioavailable and preferentially accumulate in tissues [16]. Metabolism involves oxidative cleavage by enzymes such as \(\beta\)-carotene oxygenase 2 (_BCO2_), leading to the formation of polar metabolites, which are excreted in urine.