A study conducted by Chongqing Medical University suggests that lycopene, a natural plant extract found in tomatoes, may hold potential benefits for mental health. The study, published in the New York Post, focused on the effects of lycopene on mice exhibiting depressive behaviors.
The study divided 60 mice with depressive symptoms into two groups. One group received 20 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of body weight, while the control group received a placebo made from corn oil. The results showed that the mice consuming lycopene exhibited increased sociability and a heightened interest in a sugar-water solution, which is often associated with feelings of pleasure.
The researchers noted that lycopene, compared to synthetic medications, offers the advantage of long-term consumption with fewer side effects and greater safety. This makes it a potential alternative to current depression treatments.
The study also found that stress negatively impacts the synaptic plasticity of mice, a crucial mechanism for learning and memory. Lycopene treatment was shown to restore this damaged synaptic plasticity.
However, the study has limitations in its applicability to humans. The researchers focused solely on the effects of lycopene on the hippocampus, the brain region primarily involved in learning and memory. Additionally, the dosage given to the mice (20 milligrams per kilogram) is significantly higher than the recommended human dose (1.62 milligrams per kilogram). For a 90-kilogram human, this would translate to a daily dose of approximately 147 milligrams, exceeding the recommended daily intake of 75 milligrams.
Despite these limitations, a separate study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in June 2024 indicated that consuming 100 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram posed no health risks to humans. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of lycopene in humans.