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Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) extract is known to contain potent antioxidant compounds such as lycopene, vitamin C, and flavonoids that can protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of tomato extract in improving the quality of spermatozoa in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke, which is a major source of free radicals. The research applied a literature review approach by identifying, selecting, and analyzing related studies published between 2013 and 2023 from the Google Scholar and Academia.edu databases. Ten eligible studies were included for synthesis. The results show that the administration of tomato extract at doses ranging from 20 to 60 mg/kgBW/day significantly increased sperm motility, morphology, and viability in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. The improvement was associated with the antioxidant effect of lycopene, which protects Leydig cells and maintains testosterone production. These findings suggest that tomato extract has significant potential as a natural antioxidant therapy to prevent oxidative damage and reproductive disorders caused by cigarette smoke exposure.

Chronic inflammation is a complex condition that involves the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which plays an important role in inducing the expression of proinflammatory genes such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Activation of this pathway is often associated with degenerative diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, as well as metabolic disorders. Lycopene, the main carotenoid pigment in tomatoes, is known as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, but its epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of inflammatory gene expression is still a growing area of research. This article aims to review the recent literature on the role of lycopene as an epigenetic agent capable of modulating the expression of proinflammatory genes through epigenetic pathways associated with NF-KB. This research method uses a systematic literature review through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases with a publication range of 2015–2025. The results of the study show that lycopene works through several important mechanisms. First, lycopene can affect DNA methylation in the promoter region of inflammatory genes by inhibiting the enzyme DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), which has an impact on decreased transcription of proinflammatory genes. Second, lycopene plays a role in histone modification, especially by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDAC) thereby increasing histone acetylation of H3K9 in anti-inflammatory genes. Third, lycopene is able to regulate microRNA expression such as lowering miR-155 and miR-21 which strengthen the NF-κB pathway, while increasing miR-146a which plays a role in suppressing inflammation. Fourth, lycopene directly inhibits NF-κB activation by targeting IκB kinase (IKK), preventing IκB degradation, and lowering the translocation of the p65 subunit to the nucleus. With such a dual mechanism, tomato lycopene has the potential to be an effective nutraceutical agent for chronic inflammatory therapy.

This literature review explores the effects of tomato juice on lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure in elderly individuals with hypertension. Hypertension is a prevalent condition among the elderly and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of tomato juice as a non-pharmacological intervention to manage hypertension. The research methodology involved a comprehensive review of studies published between 2020 and 2024, sourced from reputable databases such as Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The findings indicate that tomato juice, rich in potassium and lycopene, significantly reduces blood pressure in elderly patients. Potassium helps regulate sodium levels in the body, while lycopene provides antioxidant benefits and promotes vascular health. Although tomato juice demonstrates potential as an effective and natural remedy for hypertension, further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations is needed to confirm its long-term benefits. The implications of these findings suggest that tomato juice could be considered as a supportive therapy for hypertension management in the elderly, though it should not replace conventional antihypertensive medications.