Tangerine tomatoes: origin, biochemistry, potential health benefits and future prospects

Hartono Tanambell, Karen Suzanne Bishop, Siew Young Quek

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift/Konferencebidrag i tidsskrift /Bidrag til avisReviewForskningpeer review

12 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Tomatoes and lycopene have been associated with the prevention of chronic diseases. Tetra-cis lycopene from tangerine tomatoes has been reported to be more bioavailable than the all-trans isomer found in red tomatoes. Therefore, tangerine tomatoes might contain superior health benefits compared to those of red tomatoes.

Scope and approach: This review focuses on the origin, biochemistry, nutritional composition, and potential health benefits of tangerine tomatoes, as well as their comparison with those of the red and high-β-carotene varieties. Information gathered from numerous studies on tomatoes, as well as conflicting perspectives, have been summarized to provide an unbiased review.

Key findings and conclusion: The origin of tangerine tomatoes is disputable, but they were reportedly present from as early as 1934. The carotenoid biosynthesis pathway underlying the accumulation of tetra-cis lycopene in tangerine tomatoes has been well defined. However, the nutritional composition of tangerine tomatoes is not currently publicly available. The carotenoid composition of tangerine tomatoes is unique not only because of the presence of tetra-cis lycopene, but also due to the relatively high content of phytoene, phytofluene, ζ-carotene, and neurosporene relative to other tomato varieties. Although a few in vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising results, further studies are required to validate the health benefits of tangerine tomatoes. Furthermore, published data regarding the potential health benefits of tangerine tomatoes on cardiovascular and bone health is currently lacking even though red tomatoes have shown promise in these areas.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Vol/bind61
Nummer13
Sider (fra-til)2237-2248
Antal sider12
ISSN1040-8398
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2021
Udgivet eksterntJa

Citationsformater