Carotenoid Metabolism, Regulation in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Health Benefits: An Updated Review

Abstract

Carotenoids are natural pigments, synthesized in photosynthetic organisms e.g., plants, bacteria, and algae, while carotenoids also be synthesized in some non-photosynthetic fungi or bacteria. The color gamut of carotenoids is from colorless to yellow, orange to red color, with variations reflected in many vegetables, fruits and flowers. They are categorized into two types: (1) xanthophylls and (2) carotenes. For instance, lycopene is found in tomatoes and watermelon, beta carotene in sweet carrots and potatoes, lutein in marigold flowers, and capsanthin and capsorubin in crimson pepper. Zeaxanthin is protective against scalp diseases, UV and skin redness. Lycopene is a bioactive component regarding the remedy of persistent sicknesses and lowering the chance of cardiovascular illnesses or cancer. The tremendous results of carotenoids in human food have prompted numerous efforts in plant genetic engineering to supply products with greater carotenoid accumulation, which isn’t always only beneficial for agriculture but also has consequences for scientific research in terms of organic, chemical, and molecular or genetic regulation. Carotenoid metabolism and its regulatory network is not only increasing plant “defense” but also enhance the quality of plants. In this overview article, we summarize the results of current research studies on carotenoid metabolism, knowledge about genetic information, and enzymes that are involved in carotenoid metabolism and regulation, underlying carotenoid accumulation, and factors that affect carotenoid regulation, and health benefits of carotenoids.