Lycopene (502-65-8) is a plant phytonutrient belonging to a class of carotenoids. Carotenes are bright-colored pigments found within the cells of some plants, algae, and certain bacteria. Carotenoids have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the human body. As an anti-cancer agent, red pigment lycopene works to suppress phosphorylation of p53 proteins. The compound regulates the gap-junction communication and cell replication at the G0-G1 phase. A particular study proposes that dietary Lycopene induces the modulation of cytochrome P450 2E1, which offers protection against carcinogenic lesions.