Abstract

Lycopene (C40H56) is a phytochemical compound of carotenoid hydrocarbon. Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidant which is naturally present in red colored fruits and vegetables (papaya, watermelon, tomato, red pepper, etc). Recently, lycopene has gained attention among nutritionists due to the evidence of epidemiological studies that proving its preventive properties toward chronic diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This study was carried out to determine lycopene content in selected Malaysian fruits in order to develop a functional drink to fulfill the recommendation of daily lycopene diet intake. Lycopene was extracted using hexane: ethanol: acetone (2:1:1) and determined using UV-vis spectrophotometer method at 503nm (hexane as blank). This study showed watermelon contained the highest lycopene content (66.6 mg/kg) followed by papaya (31.3 mg/kg). Watermelon was used as raw material in producing lycopene rich drink to meet the recommendation of 5-10mg of daily lycopene intake. Lycopene and its isomers (cis and trans) was then determined using high performance liquid chromatography method and the results showed that the lycopene rich drink contained 10 mg of lycopene in 200 ml.