Lycopene

© Image: David E. Volk
Lycopene, a carotenoid compound.

Lycopene is a naturally occurring antioxidant chemical found in some anti-cancer foods, particularly in cooked tomatoes. It is related to a variety of similar compounds referred to as carotenoids which all have the same center structural features.

Relation to other carotenoids

The structural similarities of lycopene with other common carotenoids is evident in the structure below.

© Image: David E. Volk
Some of the carotenoids.