番茄红素是广泛存在于番茄、番茄制品和其它水果中的一种类胡萝卜素,是膳食中最重要的抗氧化营养素之一。研究显示,富含番茄红素的番茄及番茄制品的饮食摄入量、血清和组织中番茄红素的水平与慢性病的发病危险有负相关关系,如癌症、心血管疾病和糖尿病等。番茄红素的生理功能主要取决于其抗氧化能力。本文概述了番茄红素的生物活性及其在人体健康和慢性病防治中的作用。 Lycopene, a carotenoid widely found in tomatoes, tomato products and other fruits, is one of the most important antioxidant nutrients in the diet. Studies have shown that dietary intake of tomato and tomato products rich in lycopene, serum and tissue levels of lycopene and the risk of chronic diseases have a negative correlation, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The physiological function of lycopene depends mainly on its antioxidant capacity. This article outlines the biological activity of lycopene and its role in human health and chronic disease prevention.